Amnesty deadline approaches in Niger Delta

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Top leaders of rebel groups in the Niger Delta have not negotiated amnesty agreements with the government as the deadline approaches.

President Umaru Yar'Adua in June offered to give rebels amnesty if they surrendered their weapons. The deadline is Oct. 4, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Nigeria is now the world's eighth biggest exporter of oil, with most of it coming from the Delta. Oil accounts for 90 percent of the country's export revenues.

But little of that wealth makes its way back to the Delta. The rebels say they are fighting for the people of the region, though critics say they are enriching themselves with payoffs from oil companies and politicians.

Ateke Tom, leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force, admitted to the Journal that he turned over 400 AK-47s to the government five years ago for $2,000 each, during a previous disarmament effort. He kept the cash -- and most of his arms.

Tom said he is talking to the national government, because he does not trust local officials.

"The governor wants me dead," he said.