7th July, 2015
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue on Monday declared amnesty for possessors of illegal arms in the state who surrender their weapons.
Ortom gave the declaration in Makurdi at the swearing-in of a Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Edwind Jando (rtd) and 23 Local Government Caretaker Chairmen.
The governor gave August ending as deadline for all such possessors of illegal arms to surrender them or risk arrest.
He explained that possessors of all categories of illegal arms and ammunitions would be rewarded in accordance to the types of weapons they submit.
The governor also said they would be reintegrated into the society upon the conclusion of rehabilitation programme.
“Starting from the day of my inauguration to the end of August 2015, all possessors of illegal arms and ammunitions in the state should please submit their arms or risked arrest.
“Those with weapons such Ak47 and the likes shall receive N100,000 upon submission of their weapons, automatic pistols N50,000, locally-made long guns N20,000 and locally-made pistols N10,000, respectively.
“Also, we shall set up a rehabilitation programme for those who would willingly submit their arms for effective reintegration back into the society,” he said.
He warned the caretaker chairmen against sharing of public funds meant for projects in their areas as they were not under any obligation to share funds to party chieftain in the state.
Ortom said henceforth they would be required to give account for all the revenue generated and would be sanctioned if they failed to so.
“Internally generated revenue from the local government will no longer be regarded as the chairman’s “okoro”, like all public funds, it must be properly accounted for.
“You are not under any obligation to share money with party chieftains no matter their positions in the community or government.
“All chairmen must reside in their local government headquarters and if for any reason they have to travel outside their areas of jurisdiction they must obtain permission from the appropriate authority.
“You are not appointed to visit vengeance on your enemies or political opponents rather use the opportunity to win them over through good governance.
“But most importantly, you are not sole administrators, so work with your committee members for the success of this administration,” he said.
NAN reports that some of the caretaker chairmen, included Ado, Paul Udenyi; Agatu, Ngbede Joe; Apa, Catherine Aba; Buruku, Godwin Iorsue; Gboko and Emmanuel Kwaghgba.