The recent letter addressed to High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) by some self-identified delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) raises several concerns, but it equally requires scrutiny to separate fact from exaggeration and misinformation.Firstly, the letter commends the leadership and sacrifices of Tompolo in the Niger Delta struggle and acknowledges the positive impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. However, the core of the letter shifts focus abruptly to allegations against Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the Presidential Amnesty Administrator, accusing him of sponsoring miscreants to disrupt peaceful advocacy by beneficiaries. These serious claims lack transparent evidence and risk undermining the very peace and progress that the Amnesty Programme has fostered over the last decade and a half.It is important to recognize the complexities of managing a program as large and diverse as the PAP, which currently supports over 30,000 ex-agitators from multiple states. Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has been reported in other quarters as committed to improving welfare and sustaining peace. Disruptive elements within any large program are inevitable, but blaming the Administrator without concrete proof appears to be a tactic that only sows discord.In fact, we the genuine leaders and stakeholders of the PAP are not “boys” to Otuaro. We stand as authentic representatives committed to ensuring peace and progress within the program. The unrest and false allegations stem from miscreants allegedly paid by external interests, such as Boyloaf, to destabilize the program for selfish gains. We, as peacekeeping leaders, have endured much, hoping that impostors and troublemakers would desist, but their efforts have only intensified. It is time to say enough is enough.We want the entire public and security agencies to know that we are not Otuaro’s puppets but principled leaders striving for justice and transparency in the Amnesty Programme. In recent months, Dr. Otuaro has demonstrated dedication and effective leadership, contrary to claims of incompetence. We urge all beneficiaries to remain calm and assured that efforts are underway to capture and provide benefits to all rightful members of the program.Our emergence is to stop these miscreants who use falsehoods to defraud and disrupt the office. We will continue to expose such individuals until they abandon their malicious activities.Regarding the demand for increased stipends, while recognizing economic challenges, it is crucial to balance expectations with government capacity and program sustainability. The significant budgetary increase is a positive step, and ensuring accountability and efficient use of these funds will benefit all.Finally, it is fitting to praise High Chief Tompolo for his unwavering dedication to the Niger Delta cause. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining peace and fostering development in the region. Tompolo’s commitment to the people of the Niger Delta, exemplified through his support of regional empowerment and stability, continues to inspire hope and unity among diverse communities.His goodwill and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, as he remains a symbol of resilience and progress for the Niger Delta. We encourage all stakeholders to rally behind Tompolo’s vision and work collectively towards a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
Signed:1. Leader Ebi John
2. Gen. Victor Nelson (Occasion Boy)
3. Gen. Davidson Richmman.
Gen. Inko Brightstar (WhoKnows Tomorrow)
5. Gen. Princewill Kotingo
6. Gen. Indutimi Victor (XDog)
7. Theophilus Vicas Ebiama
