Scores of ex-Niger Delta agitators staged a peaceful protest in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, yesterday, condemning actions by prominent ex-agitators allegedly threatening the peace and development of the Niger Delta region.
The protesters, rallying under the banner of Ex-Agitators from phase 3 of presidential amnesty, accused some former leaders of orchestrating smear campaigns against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
They alleged that some former leaders are pained by Tompolo’s recommendation of Otuaro for the PAP role, which curtailed their influence and looting.
They ex-agitators also claimed some past leaders have sponsored individuals abroad to defame Tompolo with baseless accusations of crimes against humanity and malign Otuaro with false claims of embezzling amnesty funds.
“Our leader, Government Tompolo, stopped their looting when he recommended Dennis Otuaro for the Presidential Amnesty job,” declared Theophilus Vicas Ebiama (spokesperson), a leader of the protesters.
Ebiama further said, “ We warn them to desist from defaming and maligning these leaders who are committed to the progress of the Niger Delta.”
Additionally, the group appealed to the federal government to increase operational funding for Tantita Security Services Limited, a private security firm led by Tompolo, credited with stabilizing Nigeria’s oil production.
According to Ebiama, “Before Tantita, oil production was less than one million barrels per day. Today, thanks to Tantita’s efforts in securing the nation’s pipelines, we are nearly exceeding the OPEC quota. The government must provide more funding to sustain this progress.”
The protest concluded with the ex-agitators passing a vote of confidence in Dr. Otuaro’s leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. They praised the programme for providing jobs and skills training to Niger Delta youths, contributing significantly to regional development.
The ex-agitators reiterated their commitment to peace and called on all stakeholders to support the ongoing efforts to develop the Niger Delta, urging an end to divisive actions that undermine regional stability.
