National News
By Jesse Ese
Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Phase 3 in Delta State at the weekend inaugurated a new executive council led by Chief Julius Omoyibo as chairman, with a pledge to consolidate peace in the Niger Delta, strengthen the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Paradisco Hotel in Warri, brought together ex-agitator leaders, stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme from across Delta State, marking what was described as the beginning of a new phase of leadership for Phase 3 beneficiaries.
Before the swearing-in ceremony, Omoyibo and members of the newly elected executive paid a courtesy visit to the palace of King Gen. Godday Smith, popularly known as “Bunanawe” or the “King of the Forest,” where they received royal blessings before proceeding to the inauguration venue.
The new executive was inaugurated by the National Chairman of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Phase 3, Ambassador Gen. Preye Ekpebide, and will pilot the affairs of Phase 3 beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in Delta State for the next two years.
Speaking to newsmen immediately after the inauguration, the new Chairman of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Phase 3 in Delta State, Chief Julius Omoyibo, urged those criticising the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, to reconsider their actions, insisting they have misunderstood the reforms being implemented under his leadership.
Omoyibo said those attacking Otuaro were making a “big mistake” because the PAP administrator has remained committed to improving the lives of people across the Niger Delta through far-reaching reforms and inclusive programmes.
According to him, Otuaro is a leader who listens to people and has consistently demonstrated his willingness to address genuine concerns brought before him.
He said Otuaro’s focus is on ensuring that people from impacted Niger Delta communities benefit from the programme, whether they were ex-agitators or not.
He said beneficiaries of the educational and vocational training schemes include individuals who were never involved in the struggle, adding that many are currently studying in universities and undergoing various professional training programmes.
He described Otuaro’s educational reforms as unprecedented in the history of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, noting that previous administrators had not shown the courage or vision to implement such people-oriented policies.
He said, “Those fighting against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, are making a big mistake. They need to go back and reflect on their actions because Dr. Otuaro is genuinely committed to transforming the lives of the people of the Niger Delta through the Presidential Amnesty Programme.”
“He is a leader who listens. Whenever you approach him with genuine concerns, he gives everyone a fair hearing.”
“The reason some people are fighting him is simply because they do not understand him. As a result, they have misjudged him, not realizing that he is focused on ensuring that everyone benefits from the programme, whether they are ex-agitators or not.”
“Many people have also criticised the ongoing training programmes, but it is important to set the record straight. Under Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s leadership, beneficiaries of training programmes are drawn from communities across the Niger Delta, including people who are not ex-agitators, provided they come from impacted communities.”
“Go and verify the facts. You will discover that even people who were never freedom fighters are currently studying in universities and participating in various vocational and professional training programmes. So, how can anyone fight a man who has restored hope to the people of the Niger Delta by providing educational opportunities for their children in universities and other training institutions?”
“The reforms we are witnessing in the Presidential Amnesty Programme today are unprecedented. No previous Administrator had the courage or vision to implement these far-reaching changes. These are the kinds of reforms our people have long desired, and it is gratifying that Dr. Dennis Otuaro recognised their importance and approved them for the benefit of the Niger Delta.”
“As leaders, we understand that people may have one or two grievances, and that is why we are here—to bridge the gap between the people and the programme. Instead of making baseless accusations or writing misleading posts against Dr. Otuaro, bring your concerns to us. We know that whenever genuine complaints are brought before him, he listens and takes appropriate action.”
“There is no need to continue attacking the man. If your concerns are sincere, present them to us, and we will convey them to Dr. Otuaro. That is why we are here—to serve all ex-agitators in Delta State.”
“Dr. Dennis Otuaro is a good man, and he is doing an excellent job. We sincerely thank President Bola Tinubu for appointing a leader who understands the aspirations and yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta.”
“We also assure him of our unwavering political support. We are ready to work with him and the Door-to-Door Movement to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Third Phase, Gen. Preye Ekpebide, represented by Birinumughan Jesse, popularly known as Gen. 90, charged the newly inaugurated leadership to work closely with the national body and ensure that every ex-agitator in Delta State was carried along.
He urged Omoyibo to serve as a bridge builder by promoting unity and intervening in issues affecting ex-agitators and the Presidential Amnesty Programme whenever genuine concerns arise.
According to him, matters that can be resolved internally should be handled by the state leadership, while issues requiring policy intervention should be formally brought to the attention of the PAP administrator.
In his goodwill message, Gen. Andrew Azazi commended Otuaro for restoring peace and hope to the Niger Delta through what he described as the effective management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Azazi praised the administrator’s achievements, particularly in education, describing him as the best person to have managed the affairs of the PAP since its establishment.
He said the inauguration of the Delta State Phase 3 leadership under Omoyibo was necessary to strengthen support for Otuaro and ensure the objectives behind the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme are fully realised.
Also speaking, President of the Isoko Ex-Agitators, Gen. Joseph Okor, Niger Delta stakeholder, Triple Chief Messiah Ariejovwo, and ex-agitator, Chief David Okiri, called on the new executive to unite all ex-agitators and provide inclusive leadership.
They expressed confidence in Omoyibo’s leadership, assuring him of their support and prayers as he pilots the affairs of the organisation.
The speakers further urged the executive members to prioritise the welfare of beneficiaries and people from impacted communities while promoting peace, unity and stability across the Niger Delta.
The Delta State Phase 3 executive inaugurated on August 1, 2026, comprises Chief Julius Omoyibo as Chairman; Gen. Victor Obodokeme, Vice Chairman; Gen. Okiwowo Basil, Secretary; Gen. Ivwromon Ogaga, Public Relations Officer; Gen. Jaja John, Treasurer; Gen. Ejiro Okpako, Financial Secretary; Gen. Gabriel Timibra, Publicity Secretary; Gen. Owhos Ogwhuru, Mobiliser; Gen. Emmanuel Idogho, Provost; Gen. Ebikeme, Assistant Secretary; Gen. Chief Monday Keneye, Adviser I; Gen. Barr. Men, Legal Adviser; Gen. Kerebi Ombe, Peace Ambassador; Gen. John Obugor, Adviser; Chief Believe, Adviser; and Prince Solomon Diodemise, Adviser.
