In a recent development in Yenagoa, leaders of the Third Phase Ex-agitators Forum, headed by "General" Preye Ekpebide, have voiced strong support for Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the newly appointed Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). This comes in response to demands from several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for Otuaro's removal due to perceived ineffectiveness since his appointment.
These CSOs, represented by spokesperson Dennis Nako Francis, had urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to reconsider Otuaro's position, citing a lack of progress under his short tenure. The CSOs argued that the office has shown unprecedented passiveness, prompting their appeal for a review of his performance.
Contrasting sharply with this perspective, Ekpebide dismissed the calls for Otuaro’s removal as "laughable, childish, and uncalled-for," especially given that Otuaro has only been in office for two months. Ekpebide questioned the legitimacy of the CSOs' involvement, pointing out that they are not direct stakeholders of the Amnesty Programme.
Ekpebide went on to defend Otuaro, praising his qualifications, experience, and dedication to the cause of the Niger Delta. He accused the CSOs of attempting to destabilize the program and distract its leadership for selfish reasons. "It is counterproductive to describe Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s short reign as passive. These calls for his removal are not just unpatriotic; they likely have political motives," Ekpebide commented.
Furthermore, he expressed gratitude towards President Tinubu for appointing Otuaro and acknowledged the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders for their roles in facilitating such appointments, which he believes reflect a true understanding of the Niger Delta's needs.
Ekpebide strongly urged the president to ignore the CSOs' demands and maintain Otuaro in his position, asserting that his leadership is exactly what the Amnesty Programme requires to fulfill its objectives. The support from Ekpebide and the Third Phase Ex-agitators Forum highlights a significant divide in opinions regarding the administration and future direction of the PAP.
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