The National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, General Elaye Dollar Slaboh, has issued a strong and timely message to all beneficiaries and delegates of the programme across the Niger Delta, urging them to embrace unity as a guiding principle in their collective journey toward peace and development.
Addressing members from his office at the Third Phase National Secretariat along Azikoro Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, General Slaboh emphasized that the strength of the amnesty programme lies in the ability of its members to stand together in one voice.
“We must resist every attempt to divide us,” he said firmly. “As beneficiaries of this programme, our focus should be on peace, progress, and protecting the gains we’ve made over the years. Unity of purpose should be our shared goal. Together we are better and stronger.
He reminded beneficiaries that the Presidential Amnesty Programme was not just about laying down arms but about laying the foundation for a new life — one rooted in empowerment, reintegration, and sustainable growth. He warned that internal divisions, fueled by misinformation and selfish agendas, can derail the hopes and opportunities the programme was designed to provide.
As tension grows in some quarters, General Slaboh specifically called on those nursing the idea of staging protests to shun such plans, noting that protests will only cause disruption and attract unnecessary public misinterpretation.
He advised that any grievance or concern should be channeled through the appropriate leadership structures for swift resolution.> “Protest is not the way forward. We have leaders who are ready to listen and engage. Let us use dialogue. Let us follow due process. Our doors are open for conversation and consultation.
There is no issue that cannot be resolved with communication,” he appealed.He further expressed his unwavering support for the leadership of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, commending his efforts to restructure and reposition the programme for maximum impact.> “Dr. Otuaro is doing a great job under very challenging circumstances.
It is our duty to support him in order to sustain peace and progress across the region,” Slaboh said.General Slaboh also encouraged beneficiaries to serve as agents of peace and development within their communities, stressing that the Niger Delta cannot move forward in an atmosphere of mistrust and conflict. “Let’s choose dialogue over confrontation, peace over division, and unity over personal gain.
Together we are better and stronger, and our unity is the greatest weapon for lasting development,” he concluded.The address has since been well received among Third Phase members, with many commending General Slaboh for his continuous grassroots engagement and consistent message of peace, unity, and purpose.
