“For example in the case of Mr. President and Vice President, the severance gratuity of 300% was canceled because they were entitled to pensions for life by virtue of section 84 sub-section 5 of the constitution, the hardship allowance was however reduced from 50% to 30%”, he added.

He also called on the President to implement the reports of the Niger-Delta Technical committee; headed by Mr. Ledum Mittee, saying, “Nobody should sit in Abuja and start accusing the elders of being the brains behind the militants”.

It was gathered that the Hassan Lawal, who has served as minister for five years, including three years under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as Labour minister, and two years in the present government, could not come up with any solution.

“The task force is, however, taking necessary measures to keep criminal elements out of the communities, ensure that only the genuine inhabitants return and that the people are protected from the activities of criminal opportunists who may want to take advantage of the situation”, he said.

He, however, said the institution had taken actions to redress this image with the setting up of an anti-corruption and transparency unit within its fold.