A group, Impacted Community Movement in the Niger Delta has called on people of the region to support the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The group lauded the President for sustaining the Presidential Amnesty Programme for ex-agitators.
They also praised the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro for bringing in more beneficiaries in communities initially left out of the amnesty programme despite their sufferings and harrowing experiences during the Niger Delta crisis.
President of the group, Chief. Owoe Ebikake, made the call in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and made available to South-South Punch correspondent.
Chief Ebikake said Otuaro through the support of the President Tinubu has taken the amnesty programme to another level, saying he deserves a reappointment at the end of his tenure.
He said during the days of militancy in the region, many communities suffered the brunt of the pollution which affected Rivers and farmlands and military raids which rendered hundreds of folks fleeing from their communities while running from danger.
Chief Ebikake popularly known as Egbon of the Niger also commended ex-Niger Delta agitator, High Chief Government Ekpemopolo (Tompolo) who through his security outfit is assisting the federal government in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.
He stated, “The Impacted Communities Movement represents all communities in the Niger Delta affected by the consequences of militancy and crisis in the region.
“Despite the government’s amnesty program for militant groups, our communities were left out, leading to our agitation for involvement in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.”
The President of the Impacted Community Movement in the Niger Delta further said PAP under Dr Otuaro has witnessed the provision of learning gadgets to students under the Amnesty scholarship and vocational training for ex-agitators
Ebikake added, “In 2019, under late Prof. Charles Dokubo’s administration, our communities’ involvement in the programme brought peace and progress to the region.
“However, the programme was later hijacked by politicians, resulting in the neglect of our entitlements, including learning gadgets and stipend payments.
“Fortunately, with the appointment of Dr. Dennis Otuaro as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, we have witnessed significant positive changes. These include provision of learning gadgets (laptops) to students, timely payment of stipends and allowances, vocational training for ex-agitators, leadership training for Phase 1-3 generals, deployment of impacted communities students to universities of their choice and promotion of peace in the region.
“In light of these developments, I urge every son and daughter of the Niger Delta Region to support Dr. Dennis Otuaro and President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
“We, the impacted communities, have decided to give our full support to the President’s re-election bid and Dr. Otuaro’s reinstatement. I also extend my gratitude to our leader,r,, High Chief Government Ekpemepulo (Tompolo), for his support to the President and Dr. Otuaro.”
