One of Nigeria's key militant leaders in the volatile oil hub of the Niger Delta Ateke Tom who has also agreed to disarm.

05 Oct 2009

Another Nigerian militant leader has agreed to lay down his arms and halt fighting in the Niger Delta oil hub, under a government amnesty which expires Sunday.

Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as 'Tompolo', is the third and last known factional leader with links to Nigeria's main armed group, the Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to surrender.

"I and my people are accepting the amnesty offer and we are going to work with the President to achieve the dreams of this country," said the commander at a meeting with Nigerian President, Umaru Yar'Adua, on Sunday.

Before his acceptance of the amnesty, Tompolo was a militant leader in the Delta state, who commanded thousands of fighters and was in charge of main operations in that state.

According to Yar'Adua, the amnesty (which officially began on August 6 and ends on October 4), has opened up a new chapter for Nigerians.

"I pledge that we will do all within our power to ensure that the oil in the land and waters of the Niger Delta shall begin to be a source of blessing and not a curse to the people," the president said on Sunday.

Earlier on Saturday, two other prominent militant leaders, Ateke Tom and Farah Dagogo accepted the amnesty and agreed to lay down their arms.

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

However, according to our correspondent in Nigeria, there are still pockets of militant groups left who have yet to accept the amnesty.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which is responsible for attacks that have wreaked havoc on Africa's biggest energy industry for the last three years, has so far rejected the government deal, announcing that it has already replaced its former commanders.

MEND is, however, observing a ceasefire which expires on October 15 and has named a team of mediators to negotiate with the government on disarmament.


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