Leaders from the oil-rich Ohaji/Egbema council area in Imo State have called on President Bola Tinubu to revisit the idea of granting amnesty to their restless youths. On August 15, 2024, Francis Uzor, Coordinator of the Ohaji/Egbema Elites Forum, delivered a heartfelt plea for the administration to address the economic and social unrest affecting their communities.
Uzor expressed a collective belief that despite the current hardships under Tinubu’s administration, the reforms are designed to set a foundation for long-term economic stability and growth. “We acknowledge that these are challenging times, but we believe the policies are paving the way for a more prosperous Nigeria. We urge patience and constructive engagement rather than discord. Our aim is to channel our energy into productive dialogue that supports the administration’s vision for a stronger Nigeria,” Uzor stated.
The forum also praised Governor Hope Uzodimma’s efforts to stimulate economic development in Imo State. Significant projects such as the dredging of Oguta Lake/Urashi River, the ANOH Gas Processing Plant, and the Urashi Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone are seen as steps toward economic enhancement and job creation.
Uzor further highlighted the urgent need for the government to tackle the issues of oil bunkering and theft, which he described as detrimental to the national economy. He suggested that revisiting the amnesty program could provide a sustainable solution to address unemployment and unrest among the region’s youth.
The plea comes as a part of a broader call for government action to ensure that the amnesty program, if reinstated, is structured to endure beyond any single administration, thereby offering a lasting impact on the region’s socio-economic landscape.
