By Jesse Ese

National News – Leaders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Third Phase have said they will not allow anybody in the Niger Delta to stage any anti-people protest against Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo or any other leader in the region.

They warned that any action capable of destabilising the region would be resisted; saying that anyone planning to hold any protest at Mbiama or any other section of the East-West Road is only dreaming.

This follows rumours of a planned protest by Alaye Theophilus, who claims to be president of a faction of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).

Alaye and some ex-militant leaders including Victor Ebikabowei aka Boyloaf and Bibopere Ajube fondly called Shoot-at-Sight have been vocal against Niger Delta leader, Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and Dr. Dennis Otuaro over personal grievances, and recently, Alaye is reportedly planning to stage a protest on the occasion of President Bola Tinubu’s planned visit to Bayelsa State.

Reacting to this, former ex-agitators under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Third Phase, led by Elaye Slaboh, gathered at Mbiama on Tuesday, declaring their support for Tompolo and other eminent Ijaw sons appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

Addressing newsmen after the demonstrations, Elaye Slaboh, the National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Beneficiaries, commended President Bola Tinubu for awarding the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and urged aggrieved individuals to follow due process rather than resort to selfish protests and cheap blackmails.

Slaboh criticised the planned protest allegedly being organized by Alaye Theophilus, describing it as misguided and unnecessary.

He alleged that the agitation, linked to calls for decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts involving individuals such as Boyloaf and Shoot-at-Sight, was being driven by people who were neither stakeholders nor beneficiaries.

The Third Phase Chairman further accused the organizers of attempting to attack offices linked to federal government appointees, warning that such actions would amount to undermining the authority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He stressed that the Niger Delta must support the President and his appointees rather than confront them over baseless issues.

According to him, supporting the President would encourage further development initiatives in the region, while confrontation could discourage federal government intervention.

Slaboh warned that Nigeria was already facing serious security challenges, noting that the relative peace in the Niger Delta remained crucial to national stability.

He cautioned that if the Niger Delta became unstable, the consequences would be severe for Nigeria’s economy and unity.

He emphasised that grievances should be addressed through established leadership structures rather than baseless protests or confrontation.

“The era of violent agitation has passed. If former militants can follow due process, civilians should also follow lawful channels,” he said.

Slaboh also criticised individuals claiming to be “warlords,” accusing some of engaging in criminal activities such as sea piracy, intimidation, and attacks on communities.

He said true leaders serve their people and not personal interests, warning that those promoting instability were destroyers rather than leaders.

“They are leaders of the past. If they did right, they would still be leaders of today, but because of their selfish characters, they are not celebrated today, unlike Tompolo who is still relevant till tomorrow,” Elaye said.

He reaffirmed the leadership influence of former militant leader Tompolo, describing him as the “father of the movement” whose authority remains respected.

He urged individuals seeking relevance to follow due process rather than inciting unrest, warning against any planned protest at Mbiama or anywhere along the East-West Road.

Slaboh also commended those who came out to oppose the planned protest, noting that many people often remain indifferent to issues affecting the Niger Delta.

He said the turnout, though small, reflected a commitment to defending the peace and stability of the region.

According to him, “There are so many beneficiaries who claim to be with us, but today, they are not here. We did not see them now that we needed them to come out to stand by us.”

On his part, Comrade Harry Fubora, Director of Mobilization, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, restated that the youths mobilized to Mbiama to prevent any protest capable of disrupting peace in the region.

Harry said intelligence reports indicated that a protest was being planned, prompting youth leaders and the Third Phase chairman to gather and ensure calm.

“We heard about a planned protest by a man called Alaye. Some people organize protests just to create confusion. We are here to ensure peace in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta,” he said.

He warned that the youths would not allow any protest along the East-West Road, particularly as the region prepares for a possible presidential visit.

Harry also expressed strong support for pipeline surveillance firms, including Tantita Security Services and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, praising their role in curbing oil theft and boosting national revenue.

According to him, the companies have contributed significantly to peace in the Niger Delta and should be allowed to continue their operations without interference.

“Tantita and Pipeline Infrastructure are doing well. They are helping to maintain peace and increase national revenue. We want the peace to continue,” he said.

Efforts to reach Alaye Theophilus for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.