LAGOS -The Human Rights Defenders Network (HURIDEN) yesterday, urged the Federal Government to grant amnesty to all ethnic militant leaders currently facing treason charges.

Mr. Ayodele Akele, the Chairman of HURIDEN made the call while addressing newsmen in Lagos. He urged the government to grant unconditional pardon to Niger Delta militant leaders, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Henry Okah and MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazurike.

“While appreciating the magnanimity of the Federal Government in releasing Dokubo on health grounds and Uwazurike for his mother’s burial, we still appeal that all charges be dropped against them.

“We also call for an immediate and unconditional release of Okah who is currently on secret trial for treason, ” Akele said.

He noted that “it is still not yet uhuru for the released leaders as the treason case is still hanging on their necks and could be recalled anytime”.

According to him, full amnesty should be granted to them in the interest of peace and genuine national reconciliation.

Akele called on President Umar Yar’Adua to direct the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to enter a nolle prosequi so that the case could be discontinued.

He also advised the government to invite all the leaders of ethnic groups for peace talks to move the country forward.

The Human Rights defender Chairman said that the Federal Government must be seen by the people to be concerned with their grievances, in order to bring lasting peace to the Niger Delta and to the entire country.