Under Phase 1 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), ex-agitators have pledged support for the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.
The ex-agitators spoke Saturday during the inauguration of a new executive leadership structure for Amnesty Phase 1, held at Wetland Hotel, Mofor, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking, the newly inaugurated National President, Chief Aroni Oputu (a.k.a Gen. Aroni), assured that ex-agitators under the Amnesty Phase 1 will not fight government but support it to sustain the peace in the Niger Delta region.
“I want to tell the Federal Government that our leadership will not be one to fight the government; rather we will support the government and the security agencies. We will work with President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser,” he said.
Aroni promised to promote unity among members, ensuring an all-inclusive leadership, stating, “I’m ready to serve the House. I’m here to listen to everybody. In the course, of the struggle, we lost so many people. I’m here to represent the common people, those that were abandoned. I’m here to work with them. I will ensure there is no division. We will speak in one voice as ex-agitators of Niger Delta. We will not separate this house.”
He further thanked Niger Deltans leaders such as High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, HRM King Ateke Tom and High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, among others for providing exemplary leadership for the ex-agitators.
Chairman of the inaugural committee, Chief John Isiayei, explained that the new leadership stemmed from the voluntary resignation of the former National President of Phase 1, HRH Henry Binidoudougha Egbema 1.
He charged the newly inaugurated executive to ensure fairness and equity in their leadership, as well as continue to accord respect to their predecessors.
On his part, newly inaugurated General Secretary who hails from Imo state, Gen. Andrew Voccor, said they will continue on the path of peace as established by the PAP boss, to “ensure that the dividends that is expected to come to the Niger Delta come to us.”
Other members of the new executive drawn from states in the Niger Delta include; National Vice President, Mr Inatimi llebeim Detagnant (Bayelsa); Public Relations Officer (PRO), Gen. Godgift Ayabowei (Bayelsa); Assistant Secretary, Prince Denis Ogbagbonna (Rivers); Treasurer, Hon. Dennis Philip (Rivers); Finacial 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).