First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders Condemn Fifth Columnists’ Plot to Undermine Dennis Otuaro’s Leadership

*reaffirm commitment to Niger Delta peace, progress

The First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders under the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum have vehemently rejected another claim accusing the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Coordinator, Chief Dennis Otuaro, of marginalizing key stakeholders within the Amnesty Programme.

Describing the accusers as agents of a fifth columnist sabotage operation, the ex-agitators’ leaders have thrown their full support behind Chief Otuaro’s leadership, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to inclusiveness and regional stability.

The controversy erupted following an online publication by one Gen. Pius Wariyai and Gen. Excel Monday calling themselves as the ‘Council of Marginalized Original First‑Phase Leaders, alleging a persistent exclusion of original ex-agitators from critical consultations and decision-making processes within PAP, calling for intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other authorities.

However 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 (Delta), Detagnant Lnatimi Ileberi, (Bayelsa), secretary, Andrew Chidi Vokor (IMO), PRO Godgift Ayabowei (Bayelsa), Adviser Chibuike Emmanuel Chimezie (Abia), Philip Dennis Fayeofori, Treasurer (Rivers State), Edo State Coordinator Appearance Aghagha and others; the leadership branded these allegations as baseless and politically motivated. “The narrative peddled by Gen. Pius Wariyai and Gen. Excel Monday is a product of envy and selfish ambition meant to fracture the delicate peace painstakingly achieved in the Niger Delta,” the statement read.

The Ex-agitators’ leaders reiterated that Chief Dennis Otuaro has consistently demonstrated fairness, impartiality, and a transparent leadership style, ensuring that all legitimate beneficiaries, regardless of their phase or community, receive equitable attention and benefits from the programme.

In a notable move to cement unity within the Niger Delta ex-agitators’ community, the statement acknowledged other aggrieved ex-agitators, including Obekuma Jacob, Don Alex Watchman, Patrick Tebegha, Tallest Gilbert Isobo, Douglas Otokolofor amongst others, who have aligned themselves with the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum under the stewardship of Chief Aroni Oputu and the Presidential Amnesty Programme Coordinator, Chief Dennis Otuaro. “While disagreements may arise, the overriding priority is our collective vision for the Niger Delta’s peace and development,” they affirmed.

Reiterating the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s renewed focus on inclusivity, the leadership disclosed that recent engagements with Chief Otuaro reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to fairness in the distribution of benefits across all phases of ex-agitators.

The ex-agitators’ leaders urged the public to rebuff the unfounded allegations, warning that such claims are the handiwork of dangerous “fifth columnists.” These elements, they stressed, aim to undermine the Tinubu administration by infiltrating government initiatives to stoke unrest and derail progress in the Niger Delta.

The First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his choice of Chief Dennis Otuaro as the Presidential Amnesty Programme Coordinator, pledging unwavering support for his leadership. They also called on all stakeholders to unite against any attempts to destabilize the Niger Delta and vowed to work alongside the presidency to ensure sustainable peace, development, and the successful re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

This firm defense of Otuaro’s administration highlights ongoing efforts to maintain stability and inclusivity within the Amnesty Programme amidst occasional dissent, and underscores the critical role of unity among Niger Delta stakeholders in driving long-term regional progress.