First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders Condemn allegations of marginalization in PAP

*accuses fifth columnists of political sabotage against Dennis Otuaro’s leadership

“The leadership expressed bewilderment at the anonymous nature of the publication, questioning why those behind it would refuse to reveal their identities unless their intention was malicious sabotage.”

By Philip Onome

Following a publication by an unidentified group accusing the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Coordinator, Chief Dennis Otuaro, of running the scheme on a “divide-and-rule” basis that marginalizes genuine first-phase ex-agitators and others who surrendered their arms in 2009, the First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders under the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum have vehemently refuted these claims.

Chief Dennis Otuaro and Phase 1 Ex-agitators’ leader Gen Aroni Oputu
They described the report as a deliberate attempt by fifth columnists aiming to discredit the commendable performance of Chief Otuaro.

In a detailed statement signed by the National President of the First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders and Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Security, Chief Aroni Oputu (also known as Owutebi 1 of the Niger Delta), Vice President, Detagnant Lnatimi Ileberi, (aka Agbalakoko), Secretary Andrew Chidi Vokor, Godgift Ayabowei (PRO) and others; the leaders emphasized their support for the current administration of the Amnesty Programme.

They expressed concern over the allegations insinuated by one Tare, who in an exposé alleged that the PAP had morphed into a “Gbaramatu Amnesty Programme,” contending that over 90 percent of beneficiaries under Otuaro’s administration hail from Gbaramatu communities and their associates.

Tare further claimed that such a pattern undermines the PAP’s founding mission to achieve equitable rehabilitation, reintegration, and empowerment for all ex-agitators across the Niger Delta. According to Tare, this purported bias risks rekindling the very grievances the amnesty was designed to eliminate.

However, the First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders categorically reject these accusations as baseless and politically motivated. They assert that the misrepresentation is the handiwork of unscrupulous political actors seeking to sabotage the programme and foment discord within the Niger Delta region.

“Our distinguished Amnesty Coordinator Chief Dennis Otuaro has consistently demonstrated impartiality and commitment to ensuring that every legitimate beneficiary, regardless of their phase or community, receives due attention. Those making claims that the programme has been hijacked by Gbaramatu interests lack credibility and are clearly agents of disruption,” the statement read.

The leadership expressed bewilderment at the anonymous nature of the publication, questioning why those behind it would refuse to reveal their identities unless their intention was malicious sabotage.

The statement further reads; “We can attest to the fact that those writing these petitions have gone for training; For instance, one Monday Excel, Gilbert sobo (aka Tallest) who are from Bayelsa State, has gone for the leadership training. And we have other leaders like Dennis Philip from rivers state, Okorenama west (First Phase) Denise Ogbonna (Rivers State) Ayabowei, Edward Yobowei and so many others that have also gone for training. We also have more that 20 other Ex-agitators’ leaders who have gone to the same training from the nine states of the Niger Delta. So there is nothing like marginalization in this matter.”

The Ex-agitators’ leaders further confirmed that recent meetings with Chief Otuaro, reaffirmed the PAP’s commitment to inclusiveness and fairness in benefit distribution.

“We urge the public to dismiss these unfounded and suspicious claims propagated by faceless individuals who, it appears, have been commissioned to undermine the laudable work of our Amnesty Coordinator. Such actions only serve the interests of political saboteurs known as fifth columnists, who have historically sought to infiltrate government initiatives to frustrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Chief Oputu added.

The statement concluded by expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a leader of Chief Otuaro’s caliber to pilot the Presidential Amnesty Programme, pledging continued support to his leadership.

They called on all stakeholders to unite in resisting attempts by covert elements to destabilize the Niger Delta and impede the region’s progress. The leaders affirmed their resolve to work in tandem with the presidency to ensure the success of governance in the Niger Delta and the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.