Ex-Agitators Disown Pro-ADC, Amaechi Group, Deny Bomadi Endorsement Meeting
The leadership of the Ex-Agitators Leaders Forum for Phases One, Two and Three of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has distanced itself from a group that claimed to have endorsed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, describing its members as impersonators with no link to the recognised ex-agitator leadership.
The forum also dismissed claims that an emergency meeting of ex-agitators was held in Bomadi, Delta State, insisting that no such gathering took place anywhere in the Niger Delta.
Addressing journalists in Yenagoa through a statement jointly signed by the National Chairman of Phase Two and Chairman of the Ex-Agitators Leaders Forum, Ibena Rufus Salvation, National Chairman of Phase One, Aroni Oputu, and National Chairman of Phase Three, Elaye Slaboh, the leaders urged the public to disregard the publication circulating on social media.
The reaction followed a report credited to the "Ex-Niger Delta Agitators Forum for ADC," which claimed that ex-agitators had endorsed the alleged vice-presidential nomination of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and pledged support for the ADC ahead of the 2027 general election.
The recognised ex-agitator leaders described the publication as false and misleading, stressing that the group behind it does not represent beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Speaking on behalf of the leadership and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Ibena maintained that only the Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator, Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has the authority to give directives to recognised ex-agitators and beneficiaries whenever the need arises.
He said the leadership of the forum remains loyal to the current PAP administration and would only take instructions from the programme's administrator.
He further stated that the individual identified as Ojuemi Oweikeme, who signed the earlier statement as National Chairman of the purported ADC ex-agitators forum, is neither an ex-agitator nor a beneficiary or leader in any of the three recognised phases of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Ibena advised Oweikeme to stop parading himself as a leader of ex-agitators.
"Ojuemi Oweikeme is not an ex-agitator, nor a beneficiary or leader in any of the three phases. If at all he exists, he should go and look for an NGO he can join," he said.
He described members of the group as "impersonators who have no capacity in any way," adding that such individuals were known even during the days of armed struggle in the creeks.
"We were aware of such impersonators when we were still in the creek during the struggle, but now we are all visible and the era of impersonation with individuals' and groups' names is over," Ibena stated.
He also singled out one Ezekiel Perela, describing him as the only familiar name among those listed in the publication but alleging that he has a questionable character.
He called on security agencies to closely monitor the activities of the group, alleging that its members could be planning to cause problems in the Niger Delta region.
The Ex-Agitators forum leader equally cautioned the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its candidates to be vigilant and avoid dealings with the group.
"They are impersonators who have no capacity in any way. We advise the leadership of the ADC and its candidates to be aware of these characters so they do not become victims of fraud," he added.
Ibena also commended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, for what he described as his outstanding performance within a short period in office, particularly the ongoing reintegration exercise for ex-agitators both within Nigeria and abroad.
According to him, the reintegration programme is a clear demonstration of the administrator's commitment to the welfare and future of beneficiaries.
Ibena added that the administrator's efforts were rooted in a deep understanding of the Niger Delta struggle and the challenges faced by former agitators and expressed appreciation to Otuaro for his stewardship of the programme.
He reaffirmed that the recognised leadership of ex-agitators remains united and urged members of the public to ignore any political statements issued by unauthorised persons in the name of ex-agitators or beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
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