Yenagoa — Ex-militants in Bayelsa State from the camp of General Africa, weekend, had cause to smile as they received their three months’ salaries without the usually hitch associated with such payments.
So far, over 400 of the 506 ex-militants from General Africa’s camp have each been paid a total of N195,000 as their salaries for the months of May, June and July by an indigenous firm, Trans Atlantic Mortgage Limited.

Before now, the payment of the N65,000 monthly allowance to ex-militants in Yenagoa, had always been a worrisome exercise for the banks and residents, given the tension it generates whenever such payment is taking place, prompting some of the banks to pull out from paying the ex-warlords.

However, investigation revealed that the mortgage bank which was recently accredited by the Federal Government amnesty committee to handle ex-militants from General Africa’s camp had succeeded in the task without residents and customers experiencing the usual tension noticed in the past.

Though the customers of the mortgage outfit were initially worried on noticing a large influx of youths, they were surprised at the level of maturity displayed as they went about their business with decorum.

The management of the mortgage firm, it was also learnt, extracted promise from their leader and representatives that whatever information they needed to know should be from them and not their charge coming around to disturb its operation.

One of the former warlords, who simply gave his name as Ebi said he was surprised at the efficiency of the firm in handling their payment.

“As you can see everybody is happy with the way they (Trans Atlantic Mortgage) treated us. The payment was done without the suffering we usually pass through. Credit must be given to the management for coming up with this strategy of liaising with our leaders and representatives,” he said. and thanked the Timi Alaibe-led amnesty committee for its effort in fast tracking the process.

Contacted, Branch Manager of Trans Atlantic Mortgage, Mr. Reginald David, said contrary to fears being expressed in some quarters on the challenges in dealing with ex militants, the firm saw its new relationship with the ‘post amnesty trainees’ as a national service and part of the firm’s contribution to make the post amnesty programme successful.

He confirmed that more four hundred of the post amnesty trainees have received their salaries for the month of May, June and July while that of  August is expected to be ready before the end of the month.

On the gentlemanly conduct of the ex militants, he said, their leaders had promised to disciplined any of their boys who misbehave or breach the peace when coming for their allowances.