Amnesty Takes Off Amid Confusion.

Byline: Emma Amaize and Kingsley Omonobi

THE amnesty promised militant groups in the Niger Delta by President Umaru Yar'Adua commences today amid confusion as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has disowned its commander in charge of Bayelsa axis, General Boyloaf, who is already holding talks with the President in Abuja and relieved him of his position as its commander.

MEND said Boyloaf was in Abuja in furtherance of his personal pursuits. The group also denied that it was trading arms for cash declaring that whenever they choose to surrender their arms it will be for free.

FG warns militants to be wary

The Federal Government, on its part, warned militants to be wary of those who say amnesty should not be accepted until the Niger Delta is developed, 13 per cent derivation increased and true federalism put in place saying without peace, there can be no development while derivation is a constitutional issue.

The warning came even as government urged militant groups or youths still harbouring second thoughts about surrendering their arms and renouncing violence, to follow the example of MEND leader, Henry Okah, who today is free because he accepted the amnesty offer.

A statement from the amnesty committee signed by Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary entitled "Commencement of Amnesty" …