Ex-militants in the Niger Delta have issued a fresh threat to shut down oil facilities across the region, citing alleged marginalisation, lack of transparency and unfair treatment within the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
Operating under the banner of the Marginalised Original First-Phase Leaders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the former agitators accused the Federal Government of sidelining those who initially embraced the 2009 amnesty deal that brought relative peace and stability to the oil-rich region.
In a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the group demanded an immediate forensic audit of the Amnesty Programme, alleging widespread favouritism and exclusion under the current administration of the scheme.
They specifically accused the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, of marginalising first-phase beneficiaries who surrendered arms at the onset of the amnesty in the interest of national security and economic survival.
However, the allegations were denied by Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, who insisted that no beneficiary had been marginalised under the programme.
Speaking to journalists on Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the ex-militants disclosed that they had formally notified the Federal Capital Territory Police Command of their intention to protest, stressing that the move was aimed at preventing a return to violence in the Niger Delta.
According to the group, their advocacy for transparency and accountability has been met with victimisation and exclusion from key decision-making processes.
“Our monthly stipend of ₦65,000 has remained unchanged since 2009, which is no longer sufficient to meet basic needs,” the group said.
They also complained of being denied access to training opportunities and participation in critical programmes under the Amnesty Scheme.
“We surrendered our arms in 2009 and embraced peace in line with the Constitution. Our call for accountability should not be mistaken for insubordination,” the statement added.
The group warned that failure to address their grievances could destabilise the fragile peace in the Niger Delta, with severe consequences for Nigeria’s oil production and revenue.
