Nigeria's rebel leader, Ateke Tom

01 Oct 2009

A key Nigerian militant leader, Ateke Tom, has officially accepted an amnesty offer during a meeting with Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua.

Ateke Tom told a news conference on Thursday that the government had offered him a pardon, adding that "I hereby formally accept the amnesty offer and lay down my arms."

President Yar'Adua, who had proposed the amnesty earlier this year, said he praised Commander Tom's decision.

The amnesty, which officially began on August 6 and ends on October 4, has recorded "some remarkable progress," the Nigerian leader said earlier in the day in a nationwide radio and television broadcast to mark the nation's 49th independence anniversary.

Officials said militants, who give up their weapons by October would benefit from a rehabilitation program, including educational and training opportunities.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said militant leader Farah Dagogo would follow Tom's example and disarm within days.

"The MEND has encouraged known commanders and affiliates to step aside and move on due to safety concerns for their families," the group's spokesman told Reuters in an e-mailed statement.

If Dagogo accepts the amnesty, Government Tompolo will be the only known factional leader with links to the MEND that has not surrendered.

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