September 30, (THEWILL) – The third phase ex-agitators of the presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has dissociated its members from the proposed protest across the nation to end bad governance against the present government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over hardship. It further appealed to other well-meaning Niger Delta stakeholders not to join the protest, as measures are being put in place to ameliorate the situation.
The National Chairman of the Third Phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Gen Elaye Slaboh, stated this in a press briefing on arrival from Warri, Delta State, where the Coordinator of the presidential Amnesty Program (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, held a very crucial meeting with ex-agitators and other stakeholders.
He reiterated president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment and resolve to formally address the myriads of problems plaguing the Niger Delta Region, especially the East-West Road, which a part was reconstructed. Adding that the East-West Road which has been turned to a den of thieves, a joint for kidnappers, as well as accidents, which have claimed so many lives.
He said, “During our meeting with PAP Coordinator, Dr Denis Otuaro, he said President Tinubu is determined to reshape the nation for improved socio-economic development of the country in general and the Niger Delta in particular, as there was no need joining the protest and we believe in reassurance passed to us during our engagement, as Dr Denis Otuaro has been a man of his words, as he has been involved in the struggle for improved conditions for the Niger Delta Region.”
On the Niger Delta ex-agitators and stakeholders, he said Dr Denis Otuaro has reiterated that their budgets would be increased as well as their monthly stipends, they need to be patient and join hands with Mr President to sanitise the system, as there could be no development and peace in an atmosphere of rancour and protest.
He also disclosed that plans have reached the advanced stage for its members to partner with the pipe surveillance contracts being handled by the Tantita Security Services, owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, which has led to increased oil production, revenue, reduction in oil theft, bunkering, creation of employment opportunities, environmental protection and illegal activities as well as sanitising the waterways for optimal utilisation of the Blue and Marine economy which the region has a comparative advantage over other states, as well as scholarship opportunities where many have been shortlisted and very soon they will be invited.
Also speaking, the former state chairman of the third phase, PAP and a stakeholder, Gen Oscar Jackson, appealed for calm, stating that there are plans by the PAP coordinator, Dr Denis Otuaro, to mop more arms and more Niger Deltans will be included in the Presidential Amnesty Programme delegates.
Oscar Jackson, who applauded the current PAP coordinator as the first coordinator in the history of PAP since its inception, who had been part and parcel of the struggle, urged delegates to renew their resolve and commitment to give their maximum support and cooperation, to enable him to deliver on his mandate.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
