Niger Delta: Buhari, NSA, Meet In Aso Rock

–Presidential Amnesty Administrator In Attendance

President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Security Adviser, Maj. – Gen Babagana Monguno (retd.), are holding a security briefing at the State House right now.

In attendance at the closed-door meeting is the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (retd).

The agenda is unclear, but THE WHISTLER learnt that it would not be unconnected to the operations of the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta.

Recall that Buhari had in August, sacked Dikio’s predecessor, Prof Charles Dokubo, who was the Coordinator of the programme.

He gave not official reasons for his action.

The President had earlier in February, suspended Dokubo over alleged fraud and set up a committee to review the operations of the programme.

Findings indicated that the meeting with Buhari on Friday might be for the President and the administrator to discuss on a wide range of issues, especially the handling of the amnesty funds and the many pending cases, including non-payment of stipends to ex-Niger Delta militants.

The August statement announcing the sacking of Dokubo, read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Col. Milland Dikio (retd.) as Interim Administrator (Amnesty Programme) with effect from August 21, 2020.

“This followed the President’s approval of the disengagement of Prof. Charles Dokubo from office as the Coordinator, Amnesty Programme with immediate effect.

“Prof. Dokubo has been directed to hand over all official matters to the most senior officer of the Programme.

“President Buhari appreciated the services of Prof. Dokubo to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wished him the best in his future endeavours.”