PAP Crises : Ogidigba Demands Urgent Stakeholders’ Meeting, Urges Amnesty Leaders to Unite
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
The National Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase 3, Gen. Godstime Ogidigba, has called for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to resolve emerging disagreements among leaders and delegates of the programme.
Ogidigba urged the principal leaders of the Amnesty Programme, popularly referred to as the “Big Five,” to close ranks, set aside their differences and summon a meeting of stakeholders to collectively determine the way forward for the programme.
His appeal came against the backdrop of concerns over growing disagreements among stakeholders, with the PAP Phase 3 chairman warning that the Niger Delta could not afford to jeopardise the peace and stability achieved over the years.
In a statement, Ogidigba appealed to the concerned leaders to “drop their anger and embrace dialogue,” stressing that continued division would serve no useful purpose.
He said the peace currently being enjoyed across the Niger Delta was not achieved by accident but through the collective efforts, sacrifices and contributions of leaders, stakeholders and communities.
Ogidigba warned that these sacrifices must not be allowed to become casualties of avoidable disagreements.
“We cannot afford to carelessly gamble with the collective efforts, contributions and sacrifices by the leaders and stakeholders of the region to achieve the current stability, peace and security being enjoyed in the Niger Delta region,” he stated.
He appealed to traditional rulers, opinion leaders and political leaders to intervene urgently and help reconcile the various interests involved.
According to him, the time has come for the region’s leaders to prioritise dialogue over confrontation and unity over division.
He said the proposed stakeholders’ meeting should provide an opportunity for all parties to discuss their concerns openly and fashion out practical solutions for the continued effectiveness of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Ogidigba maintained that peace remained the foundation upon which sustainable development could be built in the Niger Delta.
“Peace is priceless,” he declared, adding that all stakeholders must therefore work collectively to protect the region’s hard-won stability.
He concluded with an appeal for unity, saying: “United we stand and divided we fall.”
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 12TH AUGUST, 2026)


