Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The recent demand for presidential amnesty to herdsmen and bandits in Nigeria has sparked reactions, with some Niger Delta activists arguing that there is no justification for comparing them to the Niger Delta freedom fighters of the past. They argue that herdsmen and bandits are criminals and cannot be equated to those who fought to liberate their people from oppressive Nigerian governments. One activist, Joseph Evah, disagrees with the proposal, stating that they are already enjoying amnesty in disguise. He also notes that the Federal Government gave them amnesty during President Goodluck Jonathan's time, but they have been collecting billions of naira in the name of nomadic education. He believes that the elites in the North are using the name of nomadic education to send their children abroad for more education. Another activist, Ankio Briggs, believes that the Niger Delta people are in a sad situation, comparing their agitation with businessmen who have decided to kill, rape, and occupy land. He blames politicians and leaders for running for presidency without knowing what they are supposed to do with these things.