N’Delta Ex-Agitators Resolve Rift, Reaffirm Loyalty to PAP Coordinator and Forum Leadership led by Aroni

By Philip Onome

In a significant development towards unity and peace in the Niger Delta region, key leaders from the First Phase Ex-Agitators have formally recanted earlier allegations against the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, Chief Dennis Otuaro.

This came following a series of misunderstandings and misinformation that had previously caused divisions among ex-agitators regarding the administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The recent reconciliation was publicly announced in a joint statement signed by prominent ex-agitators including Obekuma Jacob, Don Alex Watchman, Patrick Tebegha, Tallest Gilbert Isobo, Douglas Otokolo, among others.

The statement unveiled a consensus reached between the aggrieved parties and the existing leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum headed by National President, Chief Aroni Oputu +aka Owutebi 1 of Niger Delta), alongside the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator.

The group acknowledged that their initial publication accusing Chief Dennis Otuaro of marginalizing genuine first-phase ex-agitators who surrendered in 2009 was borne out of a communication gap and personal misunderstandings. They now affirm a collective commitment to work in unison for the improvement and development of the Niger Delta region.

In their own words, the eight-man committee expressed remorse, stating, “We, on behalf of the leaders that made the publication against Chief Dennis Otuaro, have come to declare that it was a misunderstanding. We have now resolved our differences and agreed to collaborate for the good of the Niger Delta.”

The statement also served as a warning to individuals or groups who might leverage the earlier discord to sow division or spread false information, emphasizing that such acts are for personal interest and not in the interest of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators. The signatories stressed that anyone attempting to undermine this renewed unity will be held personally accountable.

The resolution is expected to bolster the effectiveness of the Presidential Amnesty Programme by presenting a united front among ex-agitators, reinforcing peace, and accelerating socio-economic development activities in the Niger Delta.

This gesture of reconciliation underlines the enduring commitment of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum and the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator towards fostering harmony and delivering tangible benefits to the region’s people.