…As ex-agitators pledge support for Tinubu’s administration
Ex-agitators under Phase 1 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have reaffirmed their commitment to peace and pledged full support for the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.
The ex-agitators made this declaration on Saturday during the inauguration of a new executive leadership for Amnesty Phase 1, held at Wetland Hotel, Mofor, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State.
The newly inaugurated National President, Chief Aroni Oputu (a.k.a Gen. Aroni), assured that the ex-agitators under Amnesty Phase 1 would work collaboratively with the government and security agencies to sustain peace in the Niger Delta region.
"I want to assure the Federal Government that our leadership will not be confrontational. Instead, we will support the government and security agencies. We will work with President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser to ensure continued peace and stability in the region," Oputu stated.
Emphasizing his commitment to inclusive leadership, Oputu pledged to foster unity among members, stating:
"I am ready to serve everyone in this House. I am here to listen to all ex-agitators, particularly those who feel abandoned in the struggle. We have lost many of our comrades along the way, and I will work to ensure no one is left behind. There will be no division—we will speak with one voice as ex-agitators of the Niger Delta."
He also expressed appreciation to key Niger Delta leaders, including High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a Tompolo), HRM King Ateke Tom, and High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for their unwavering leadership and support for the ex-agitators.
The Chairman of the Inaugural Committee, Chief John Isiayei, explained that the transition to a new leadership followed the voluntary resignation of the former National President, HRH Henry Binidoudougha Egbema 1. He urged the new executive to ensure fairness and equity, while also maintaining respect for their predecessors.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated leadership, General Secretary Gen. Andrew Voccor, who hails from Imo State, reiterated their commitment to peace, aligning with the vision of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) leadership.
"We will continue to uphold the peace and stability that have been established. Our goal is to ensure that the dividends of the Amnesty Programme are equitably distributed to the people of the Niger Delta," Voccor stated.
The new executive leadership of Amnesty Phase 1 is composed of representatives from various Niger Delta states, including:
National Vice President: Mr. Inatimi Illebeim Detagnant (Bayelsa); Public Relations Officer (PRO); Gen. Godgift Ayabowei (Bayelsa) Assistant Secretary; Prince Denis Ogbagbonna (Rivers); Treasurer: Hon. Dennis Philip (Rivers); Financial Secretary: Gen. Prince James (Akwa Ibom); National Provost: Gen. Amaechi Adibuo (Imo); National Spokesman: Gen. Chief Ukori Adiku (Edo); National Adviser: Gen. Emmanuel Okadikpo (Abia); National Adviser: Gen. Awe Akuke (Delta) and National Adviser: Chief John Isiayei (Bayelsa).
With the new leadership in place, the ex-agitators have vowed to remain committed to peace, development, and the overall progress of the Niger Delta.
