Lagos state Governor Ambode to grant Amnesty to Cultists

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the government is ready to grant amnesty to those willing to renounce their membership of cult groups and turn a new leaf.

Ambode, who spoke in Ikorodu at the ongoing ‘One Lagos Fiesta,’ said his administration had perfected plans to rehabilitate criminals, who were ready to be law-abiding, with a view to making them contribute meaningfully to the society.

The governor expressed concern over the spate of cult clashes, attacks and other crimes in the Ikorodu area, adding that although the government had the capacity to deal with such crimes, amnesty being offered would encourage many troublemakers to turn away from their old ways and embrace new lives.

“In the last few months, we have been having challenges of cultism in the Ikorodu area, and a lot of issues that relate to kidnapping. So, we are going to strike a deal tonight; we are going to say no to cultism and then we are going to encourage all of you. We are going to grant amnesty to anyone who is a cult member. I want to use the whole of 2017 to rehabilitate all those who have been doing bad things; we are going to provide money and we are going to provide jobs,” Ambode said.

The governor also stressed the importance of education and urged youths in the area to strive to be educated, and thereafter pursue their dreams.

Addressing the mammoth crowd who came out for the fiesta, Ambode urged parents to talk to their children on the need to shun all forms of violence and crime.