Leave Tompolo , Otuaro Alone to Focus on Their National Assignments; Campaigns of Calumny Are Distractions to Niger Delta Development
— Gen. John Abugor
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
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A prominent leader of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase 3 from Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, General John Abugor, has called on stakeholders in the Niger Delta to desist from what he described as sustained campaigns of calumny against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, saying such actions are capable of distracting them from their national responsibilities and undermining ongoing efforts to promote peace and development across the region.
Speaking in a statement made available to journalists, Abugor said Tompolo and Otuaro have remained committed to advancing peace, security, human capital development and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta, insisting that their energies should not be diverted by what he characterized as politically motivated allegations and misinformation.
According to him, the recent circulation on social media of claims alleging that Tompolo masterminded the kidnapping of some Itsekiri youths was false, misleading and designed to tarnish the image of the respected Niger Delta leader.
Abugor stated that, from his understanding of the incident, the youths had reportedly entered the Ijaw community of Ijaghala over a disputed leadership matter and that subsequent attempts by some persons to link Tompolo to what transpired lacked credible evidence. He urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of inflaming tensions in the region.
He maintained that Tompolo has consistently demonstrated his commitment to peacebuilding, national security and the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure, while Otuaro has continued to pursue reforms within the Presidential Amnesty Programme aimed at expanding educational opportunities, vocational training, skills acquisition and empowerment for genuine beneficiaries.
“The Niger Delta has suffered enough from conflict, misinformation and unnecessary divisions. What the region needs today is unity, constructive engagement and sustained development, not campaigns intended to discredit leaders who are working to consolidate peace,” Abugor said.
The PAP Phase 3 leader urged political actors, community leaders and youth groups to embrace dialogue and lawful means of resolving disagreements instead of resorting to media campaigns capable of heightening ethnic tension and distracting leaders from their responsibilities.
He further appealed to beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to continue supporting the ongoing reform initiatives under Dr. Dennis Otuaro, noting that transparency, accountability and inclusive empowerment remain essential to the long-term success of the programme.
Abugor emphasized that the Niger Delta stands to benefit more when its leaders are supported in delivering on their mandates rather than being subjected to persistent controversies founded on unverified allegations.
He called on all ethnic nationalities in the region to strengthen peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and collaboration, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of trust, stability and unity.
General John Abugor reaffirmed his confidence in the leadership of Tompolo and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, expressing optimism that their continued focus on peacebuilding, youth empowerment and national service would further enhance stability and inclusive development across the Niger Delta.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 7TH AUGUST, 2026)
