By Okem Green Mbah, Yenagoa
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence anniversary, former Niger Delta agitators and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have commended the Federal Government for sustaining the programme and supporting efforts that have contributed to peace and stability in the region.
The ex-agitators, speaking through the National Chairman of PAP Phase Two, Ibena Rufus Salvation, also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Administrator of PAP, Chief Dr Dennis Otuaro, for their contributions to the continued implementation of the programme.
Salvation said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of peace in the Niger Delta and its connection to Nigeria’s economic development.
He said the Presidential Amnesty Programme had remained an important intervention in addressing the concerns of former agitators and promoting their reintegration into society.
According to him, the continued support for PAP would help consolidate the peace achieved in the Niger Delta and create more opportunities for youths in the region.
“We appreciate Mr President, the NSA and the PAP Administrator for supporting and sustaining the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Their support is important to maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta,” Salvation said.
The PAP Phase Two chairman also commended Otuaro for what he described as achievements in the administration of the programme, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and opportunities available to beneficiaries.
He said the Independence anniversary should also remind Nigerians that peace, inclusion and economic opportunities were essential to national development.
Salvation further commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as well as Matthew and Kestin, for their reported role in creating employment opportunities for youths through Tantita Security Services.
He said the employment of more than 20,000 youths, as claimed by the group, had provided livelihoods for young people and contributed to stability in Niger Delta communities.
“We also appreciate Tompolo, Matthew and Kestin for the employment opportunities created for over 20,000 youths in the Niger Delta through Tantita. Such opportunities contribute to peace and stability in the region,” he said.
He said employment and empowerment were important complements to government programmes because they could give young people legitimate means of livelihood and reduce the conditions that could fuel unrest.
On the 2027 presidential election, Salvation said PAP beneficiaries and former agitators would mobilise through the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He claimed that about 30,000 ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme were ready to participate in the mobilisation.
According to him, the planned mobilisation was part of the group’s political engagement and its appreciation of what it described as the administration’s support for PAP and peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta.
He said the group would continue to encourage its members to support peace and stability in the region.
Salvation also called for continued investment in education, skills acquisition, employment and other empowerment programmes for Niger Delta youths.
He said the Independence celebration should go beyond ceremonies and serve as a reminder of the need to build a country where young people could find opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He added that sustaining peace in the Niger Delta was in the interest of the entire country because of the region’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s oil and gas economy.
