The apparent success of the federal government amnesty programme seems to have brought a new sense of relief, not only to the inhabitants of the Niger Delta region but also to the nation’s oil industry, reports UCHENNA KALU.
Introduction
MANY never gave the amnesty programme of the federal government any chance of success. Even former militants who later embraced it initially called it a big joke. But events of the last few weeks reveal that the government may have had the last laugh given the number of militants that stood at over 5,000 who submitted to the program as well as the volume and nature of the weapons surrendered.
It goes without saying that this success has brought relief to the nation; but more importantly to the inhabitants of the region. Perhaps the biggest beneficiaries remain the players in the oil and gas industry whose business was virtually brought to its knees.

A Threat to Oil Industry
The amnesty had become, not only a way to peace, but also the only way to save an industry on which the very livelihood of the nation depends. 
Starting from 2006, the various militant groups, with the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (Mend) leading the pack, had systematically damaged a good part of the infrastructure in the oil and gas industry. Some analysts use the word ‘cripple’ to describe the extent of damage done. Flow stations were bombed, well heads were destroyed, pipelines were bombed, lots of oil workers and their family members were threatened and kidnapped, petrol tankers were hijacked, jetties were destroyed while oil companies have been asked to pull out of the region with future projects threatened. It was a very long nightmare for an entire industry while it seemed no hope  was in sight. Violence in the delta eventually cut Nigeria’s oil output by about a fifth since early 2006, forcing the major oil firms to declare force majoure and remove all but essential staff.  These events also gnawed on the country’s earnings, exacerbating the impact of the global downturn. As a result of incessant of attacks on its facilities, Shell, at a point, announced a total closure of its operational activities in Delta and Bayelsa states. The oil giants said the action was sequel to five devastating attacks it suffered between January and June this year. “With increasing attacks in the field, it is very unsafe for staff and contract personnel to maintain production. This will impact negatively, on the federal Government’s revenues and our revenues also,” a Shell source said. The shut-in rendered Shell incapable of loading crude oil for export and forced Nigeria to suffer a loss of 1.3 million barrels of crude oil per day. As an aside, the violence has effectively affected the stability of oil price in the international market.

The JTF Offensive
To confront the events in the region, the government set up the Joint military Task Force (JTF) to police the region. The impact of this move, in the overall scheme of things, did little to protect the oil installations from the militants.
The last desperate move that looked like a shot in the foot was an all out offensive JTF launched in June against the militants.
For many days, the military mounted an offensive in the swampy creeks of the Niger Delta.
Security and diplomatic sources said the military action in Delta State is part of a new “get tough” approach which has not been on the army’s drawing board for months in an attempt to deal with key militant leaders from Mend.
 Before long, stories began to emerge from the area of military brutality against civilians, as soldiers move through villages looking for guns and weapons.
Groups representing the Ijaw people who live in the area issued alarming numbers of those killed or chased from their homes.
Images also began to emerge of burned houses and villagers fleeing their homes.
Those who fled into the bush would creep back to their homes at night and then leave again at first light, eye witness reports said.
“The biggest problem they are facing is lack of food, as no supplies have been able to get up there for some time now,” said a source from the Red Cross.
In response, the militants, especially Mend, raised their attack such that within days, Shell, Agip and Chevron suffered severe attacks on their facilities that Shell had to close down operations in the states mentioned. They so raised their attacks that in a fit of blind rage, the militants left their base and moved all the way to Lagos to attack the Atlas Cove Jetty. It was obvious that the JTF offensive was a failure.

Unconditional Amnesty
Yar’Adua proclaimed the amnesty on June 24 and it provides for unconditional pardon for all persons who have directly or indirectly participated in militant struggle or the commission of offences during militant activities in the Niger Delta.
The programme was first announced in June. Timiebi Koripamo, spokesman for the government amnesty committee, said at the time that the plan provides unconditional pardon to those who turn in their arms, register and take part in reintegration programs.

Militants Demands
In a move that irked even their own supporters and outraged many, the militant groups responded to the amnesty offer with terms and conditions. A spokesman said, “Sequel to our tenable negations with commanders of militants involved, the right and realistic approach is the irrevocable recovery of arms obtained illegally. To completely and permanently resolve the crisis in the Niger Delta, the following terms must be unequivocally ascertained.
The Federal Government shall pay N300, 000 per an AK47 and two magazines. The federal government shall construct sustainable three bedroom flats at low cost. The buildings which must be constructed in their places of choice within the Niger Delta shall be exclusively for militants and sundry youths who shall undertake to pay the cost due within ten years.”

The Post Amnesty Era
The government has successfully executed the amnesty program thought at a great cost. While the demands of the militants were not accepted, the program though, left a big hole in government’s pocket. Agreeing to pay each of the over 5000 repentant militant a N65, 000 monthly allowance while providing training for them is, no doubt, very costly.
The improved production level of crude oil from around 1 million barrel to over 2.4 million barrels within a short time can be a smart bargain for the government. That the fortunes of the government has improved, it goes without saying that the oil companies are fully back to business.
The peace and progress will endure, many believe. All that needed remains managing the post amnesty era well given that there are those still aggrieved and weapons that remain, reports say, dwarfs those submitted.