Concerned Stakeholders Urge PAP Administrator Otuaro , Other Key Stakeholders like General Julius Joseph, High Chief Bounanawei, and General Latto (aka Latto Marianne, chief Dr Oyinkuro Efie Ereboh, Leader Tonye Bobo and Fred Ockiya aka Gbede to Resolve Third Phase Leadership Issues at Upcoming Peace and Unity Meeting in Warri, Delta State

By Wilson Macaulay

As the Niger Delta region continues to benefit from the relative peace ushered in by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), the Concerned Stakeholders Forum of PAP Phase Three has called on the current Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and other prominent leaders to seize the opportunity of the upcoming Peace and Unity Meeting on October 11, 2024, to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis in the third phase of the programme. The critical meeting, set to take place at the Bounanawei Palace in Warri, Delta State,

on the  11th of October 2024  is seen by the concerned stakeholders  as the last chance to address the damaging rift between Preye Ekpebide and Eleye Slaboh, both contending for the role of National Chairman of Phase Three.

 Chief DR Dennis Burutu Otuaro, who has earned widespread praise for his transformative leadership and commitment to the peace process, is being urged to prioritize this conflict and ensure a peaceful resolution, as the division threatens to undo much of the progress made in the region.

The Leadership Crisis and  the Growing Concern

The leadership tussle between Ekpebide and Slaboh has plunged PAP Phase Three into a state of disunity, sparking concern among stakeholders. The forum expressed fears that if left unresolved, the conflict could reignite tensions in a region that has enjoyed relative calm since the introduction of the Amnesty Programme.

We, the undersigned members of the Concerned Stakeholders Forum, comprising respected representatives from Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Ondo State and Abuja, have collectively agreed that unity among the leadership of the Third Phase is paramount. It is our strong belief that a divided house cannot stand, and any internal crises must be swiftly addressed to safeguard the gains achieved under the Amnesty Programme.

The Call for Unity

In a statement issued by the forum, the stakeholders emphasized the importance of unity for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta. "As freedom fighters and peace ambassadors, we cannot afford to let any internal crisis destroy the gains we’ve achieved under the Amnesty Programme," the statement read. "Since its inception, PAP has made us one big family, and it is our responsibility to maintain the peace that we’ve fought so hard to achieve."

The concerned stakeholders believes that the upcoming Peace and Unity Meeting is a critical moment to bring all parties together and resolve the crisis before it escalates further. They urged  Chief DR Dennis Burutu Otuaro the  PAP Administrator and key stakeholders earlier mentioned  to use the opportunity at the Bounanawei Palace meeting to broker peace, ensuring that the leadership issues are fully addressed and a unified front .

Ultimatum of Protest

In a bid to underscore the gravity of the situation, the forum also hinted that  If the October 11 meeting does not yield tangible results, the Concerned Stakeholders Forum vowed to take decisive action which will be an ultimatum . Furthermore, they threatened to organize a peaceful protest in front of the National Assembly in Abuja, should the situation continue to be mishandled.

"We trust in the ability of Dr. Otuaro to resolve this issue," the forum stated. "But if the leadership crisis persists beyond the Peace and Unity Meeting, we will be forced to issue an ultimatum and demand that the PAP Administrator cease interactions with the two conflicting parties until peace is restored."

Preserving the Gains of the Amnesty Programme

The Niger Delta, once a hotbed of militancy and unrest, has seen significant improvements in security and development due to the Amnesty Programme. The stakeholders fear that the internal strife in Phase Three could unravel these gains and plunge the region back into uncertainty. "We have come a long way," the statement emphasized. "Our collective focus should remain on sustainable development and lasting peace. Anything less is unacceptable."

Conclusion: A Moment of Decision

With the Peace and Unity Meeting fast approaching, all eyes are on Dr. Otuaro and the key stakeholders. The Concerned Stakeholders Forum has made it clear that this is the final opportunity to resolve the leadership crisis and prevent further disruption to the Amnesty Programme. If this chance is missed, the forum has vowed to take decisive action that could further complicate the situation.

The meeting at Bounanawei Palace on October 11, 2024, is therefore not just a gathering of stakeholders—it is a moment of decision that will determine the future of PAP Phase Three and the ongoing peace in the Niger Delta. The concerned stakeholders have made their position clear: unity must prevail, or consequences will follow.

As the Niger Delta continues to tread the path of peace, the outcome of this crucial meeting will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the region.

Signed: 

1) parker waritimi  Bayelsa State 

2) Markson Isere LJB River State 

3) Gen 90 Delta State 

4) Momotimi Wilberforce  Abuja 

5) Barakumor Suoware  Bayelsa State 

6) Apeikumor Abiri aka Faccles  Bayelsa State 

7) Stephen Okiemo Bayelsa State 

8) Abule Titus Bayelsa State 

9) Ebitare Samuel River State 

10) Timilaemi Ebifoubo Bayelsa State 

11) Gomeromo Henry  Delta State 

12) Lucky Jonah aka Oil money Abuja 

13) Randy Andakuro Bayelsa State 

14) Godstime Ogidigba Edo State 

15) Amokachi Perete Edo State 

16) Lukeh Ojemi Edo State 

17) Akekoromo Edah 

18) Tonye Fred River State 

19) Donald Joshua River State 

20) Sunday Isere River State 

21) Ekins Mumboh Ajuwa Ondo State 

22) Boro Opukutu Ondo State 

23) Midwest Ikuengbon Ondo State 

24) Serum Posi Ondo State 

25) Great Francis Ondo State 

26) Inesei pereowei Bayelsa State 

27) Amos okosuwei Delta State 

28) Bonny okoh Delta State 

29) Blessing orubiri Delta State

30) Kingsley sipi Delat State 

31) Joseph okor Delta State

32) Awor Gogo Delta State 

33) Awobi Lucky Delta State 

34) Mathew Opukeme Ondo State 

35) Abiodun Peter Edah Edo State

37) Abugo John Delta State

38) Ansari Charles Bayelsa

39) Don Dollar Gibson Bayelsa State 

40) Peter Agama Bayelsa State 

41) Taribimini Job Bayelsa State 

42) Basuo Victor River State