The retired infantry officer Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh reported for duty as the new man in charge of the Presidential amnesty Programme few hours after his appointment by President Buhari. Boroh is expected to rebuild fast dwindling confidence in the effectiveness of the programme. Weeks into his appointment saw moves for the verification of thousands covered by the programme and resumption of scholarship payment.
Paul Boroh
The twin problems of insurgency in the north-east of the country and militancy in the Niger Delta have always rated high on the list of serious security challenges currently facing the country. The former poses a real and present danger that has compelled the Nigerian military and regional forces to intensify efforts to stem its spread and eventually eradicate it. The militancy in the Niger Delta, on the other hand, may have earlier been curbed by negotiations and disarmament that led to a general amnesty but there have been recent signs that it may not be over yet. This is especially as the amnesty scheme has been sullied by claims of political interference and breach of trust in recent times.
President Muhammadu Buhari spoke about these two problems in his inaugural speech and in his outings, both at the G7 in Germany and U.S meetings. The problems of Niger Delta militancy pre- dates the insurgency in the North, and efforts to resolve the conflict, which grew out of agitations for social improvements, were first initiated by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. These included the disarming of the militants, the granting of general amnesty to them and their rehabilitation through wide ranging programmes that included professional training programmes, human capacity development, technical and higher professional education, both at home and abroad. These programmes are still ongoing.
Prior to these steps, the activities of the former militants had included violent attacks against oil installations and kidnappings in the region from 2006 to 2009. The sabotage of oil facilities, both off-shore and onshore, stealing of crude and the kidnapping of persons, including foreign oil workers and construction employees engaged in the building of infrastructure, made the region unsafe, causing serious disruptions to oil production in Africa’s largest oil producing nation. At a time, crude oil production dropped from 2.5 million barrels per day to a low of about one million barrels.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), given it’s high-status as a scheme under presidential prerogative, remains a key element in the sustenance of peace in the region. Even with the realisation of several of its initiatives, the programme is still in its initial phase of implementation. This phase, which started with the inception of the programme in 2009, is expected to end this year.
The fact that the first phase of the programme is getting to a close in a few months according to its original schedule calls for a re-examination of its impact and its future. Another important fact is that the end of the programme’s first phase coincides with a change in political leadership and this has raised many questions about the new government’s position on the viability and possible adjustments to the implementation of successive phases.
This is understandable: there have been several claims that the Amnesty programme may have been over politicized. Some of its recent leadership appeared to have identified much with the fortunes of the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This political tint and affiliation with the former government may have placed the otherwise well-conceived programme under close public scrutiny. A takeover by a new management team may be the necessary measure needed to build public confidence.
Considering the scope of the programme, which includes the rehabilitation of some 30,000 former militants through payment of monthly stipends and skills acquisition programmes in various institutions both in Nigeria and abroad, it is not surprising that the challenges that have emerged have resulted in criticisms of the previous government’s approach and questions raised over its commitment to the programme.
Since late May this year, many of the former militants, including those studying abroad on government scholarships have been complaining that their allowances have not been paid, organised protest marches to demand quick payment of these allowances. There are fears in some quarters that the militancy in the Niger Delta may resume if these issues are not resolved quickly.
Boroh’s appointment may have significantly calmed the situation as his appointment well received by many stakeholders who view him as the man required for the job. Many believe that his appointment, and the fact that he hails from the Niger Delta region (Bayelsa state specifically) is a most essential step to rebuild public confidence in the programme. The prominent Ijaw leader, Chief E.K. Clark, described the appointment as “very timely”, and that it had “immediately lifted a threatening spectre of frustration, despondency and restiveness”. The prerogative of such influential leaders in addressing the myriad demands of the people of the region would largely shape the outcome of government efforts.
His appointment is intended to bring speedy resolution to the recent hitches in the implementation of the programme, such as the non-payment of outstanding allowances to ex-militants and complaints raised over the neglect of participants engaged in various training schemes abroad. His track record makes him well adapted for the task at hand: he was a former commandant of the Nigerian army peacekeeping centre and a seasoned negotiator who has played key roles in resolving conflicts both in Nigeria and in several regional operations. His professional background includes command positions in three different battalions of the Nigerian army in different parts of the country. He also commanded battalions in UN peacekeeping operations on more than three operations, including peace enforcement. He served as Chief of Staff of United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL).
General Boroh’s military qualifications may be his most touted, but political observers say he also has the necessary skills in diplomacy to man and effectively run an amnesty programme that has proven to be a tough engagement even for politicians and traditional administrators.
Given the evident impact of the amnesty scheme in strengthening security within the Niger Delta region and the resulting positive impact on the Nigerian economy, with collateral benefits to the Gulf of Guinea region, many have argued that the sustenance of the Amnesty programme remains an essential element for maintaining peace in the region, and strengthening the country’s economy.
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