(PRESS RELEASE)
Leaders of Phases 1, 2, and 3 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside Concerned Niger Delta Youths, have called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate sponsors of the unrelenting cyberstalking and smear campaign against the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.
The ex-agitators issued a strong condemnation of a coordinated campaign of misinformation and malicious allegations aimed at destabilizing the Niger Delta by discrediting key figures for obvious selfish reasons.
During a press conference in Yenagoa on Saturday, the leaders denounced the activities of a group operating both within and outside Nigeria, which has levelled unfounded and wild accusations of kidnapping, crimes against humanity, and misappropriation of funds against Otuaro and Tompolo, the leader of Tantita which has been instrumental in pipeline surveillance and the fight against oil theft in the region.
Emma Satu, leader of the Phase 3, speaking on behalf of the ex-agitators, categorically refuted these allegations, stating, “These accusations are baseless and driven by jealousy and a desperate attempt to undermine the significant contributions of Dr Otuaro and Chief Ekpemupolo.”
He emphasized the positive impact of the PAP under Otuaro’s leadership, citing the record-breaking number of scholarships awarded to Niger Delta indigenes for higher education within Nigeria and abroad, and other programmes that have been implemented in the Niger Delta.
The leader of Concerned Niger Delta Youths, Oferebo Opakiviari, also echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative role of Tantita in combating oil theft and boosting Nigeria’s oil production, leading to increased revenue for the government.
“Why are these individuals so determined to sabotage Niger Delta indigenes that are making such tremendous strides in our region?” he questioned.
The leaders directly accused Ben Ebikabowei Victor (alias Boyloaf) and Chief Bibopere Ajube (Shoot-at-Sight) of sponsoring the campaign.
They expressed deep worry that the actions of the duo are detrimental to the interests of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
“The international community should note that the allegations of crime against humanity, kidnapping, corruption, misappropriation of funds, and other malpractices as posited by the protesters are a figment of Ben Ebikabowei Victor, Boyloaf and Bibopre Ajube, Shoot at Sight, fueled by hatred, jealousy, desperation,” Satu stated.
The leaders added, “We call on the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police to be aware of, and investigate the activities of this group and their sponsors, who are clearly bent on disrupting the peace in the Niger Delta and the entire country.
“We, the ex-agitators, are the primary stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and we are unequivocally satisfied with the dynamic and steady leadership of Dr. Otuaro. We thank him for his commitment to the program’s success.”
The leaders reiterated their support for Otuaro and Ekpemupolo, urging the government to investigate the activities of the alleged sponsors and take appropriate action to safeguard the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.
They also called the United States (US), the United Nations (UN, and the European Union (EU) to be wary of the activities of the group behind the protests.
They further urged President Bola Tinubu and the NSA to sustain the requisite support to the Administrator and PAP, and the Tantita boss to continue with their impactful performances in the region.
