The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Third Phase, has suspended its State Chairman, General Mondiafiri Sunday, citing prolonged inconsistency in the discharge of his duties. The decision was announced after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held at the National Secretariat in Azikoro, Yenagoa.
The suspension followed concerns over the chairman’s absence from official responsibilities for several months. According to the leadership of the Third Phase, the situation created a leadership gap that required immediate action to ensure continuity in the programme’s operations.
The State Executive Council of the Third Phase has appointed the Vice Chairman, Mr. Steve Diwere Okojina, popularly known as Waco, as Acting State Chairman. His appointment will last for an initial period of three months.
The resolution was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the National Chairman of the Third Phase, General Elaye Slaboh. The meeting brought together key members of the programme to address what was described as pressing leadership concerns within the Bayelsa chapter.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, General Slaboh stated that the decision was taken in the interest of maintaining stability and operational efficiency. He stressed that Bayelsa State hosts the national secretariat of the programme, making active leadership in the state chapter essential.
He explained that there must be no vacuum in leadership, particularly in a state that serves as the administrative hub of the programme. He noted that for approximately six to seven months, the State Chairman had not been available to carry out his responsibilities.
According to him, the executive council must remain active to guarantee smooth coordination of activities. He added that the suspension was necessary to prevent disruptions in the programme’s affairs.
General Slaboh clarified that the suspension is not permanent. He said that at the end of the three-month period, General Mondiafiri Sunday could be recalled if he demonstrates readiness and availability to resume his duties.
The leadership emphasized unity within the programme, describing members as one family. The National Chairman reiterated that the action was not punitive but intended to strengthen administrative effectiveness.
In his response, the suspended chairman, General Mondiafiri Sunday, accepted the decision in good faith. He acknowledged the authority of the leadership and expressed understanding of the reasons given for the suspension.
He explained that his prolonged absence was due to his engagement in official duties as a member of a state task force. He indicated that his involvement in those assignments had limited his availability to manage the affairs of the Bayelsa chapter.
General Sunday congratulated Mr. Okojina on his appointment as Acting State Chairman. He pledged his willingness to cooperate with the leadership and support the programme’s progress during the interim period.
Mr. Steve Diwere Okojina, now serving as Acting Chairman, is expected to oversee the activities of the Bayelsa State Chapter for the next three months. His role will involve coordinating state-level operations and ensuring alignment with national directives.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established to address issues arising from militancy in the Niger Delta region. The Third Phase represents a segment of the programme’s structure aimed at sustaining peace and development initiatives.
The Bayelsa chapter plays a significant role due to the presence of the national secretariat in Yenagoa. Stakeholders have indicated that effective leadership in the state is critical to maintaining coordination across other chapters.
The emergency meeting underscored the importance of accountability and active participation by office holders. Leaders at the gathering emphasized that consistent engagement is necessary for the programme to achieve its objectives.
The three-month acting appointment is expected to provide an opportunity for reassessment of the leadership situation. At the end of the period, the executive council will determine the next steps based on prevailing circumstances.
The development was formally reported from the National Secretariat of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in Yenagoa. The statement was issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Inko Brightstar, also known as Who Knows Tomorrow.
The leadership has assured members and stakeholders that the programme remains stable and operational. Activities are expected to continue without interruption under the acting chairman’s supervision.
