PPAPAP Calms Agitated Ex-Agitators in Mbiama, Reaffirms PAP Commitment to Fresh Initiatives
By Wilson Macaulay
Mbiama, Rivers State – April 21, 2025
In a strategic intervention that forestalled a potentially disruptive protest in Mbiama, Rivers State, the Progressive Peace Ambassadors of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PPAPAP) successfully engaged and pacified aggrieved youths who had planned a protest over lingering issues related to empowerment and delayed program execution under the Presidential Amnesty Office.
The protesters, mostly ex-agitators from the Niger Delta region, had converged in Mbiama—a volatile flashpoint straddling the border between Rivers and Bayelsa States—threatening to obstruct vehicular movement and paralyze traffic as a form of agitation. However, the timely interface by the leadership of PPAPAP averted a crisis and restored calm to the area.
Led by Gen. Markson Isere IJB, National Coordinator of PPAPAP, the delegation, which comprised respected leaders and stakeholders from across the oil-rich Niger Delta states, appealed for restraint and assured the protesters that the Presidential Amnesty Office is finalizing plans to roll out fresh empowerment and reintegration programs tailored to meet the expectations of the ex-agitators.
“We understand your frustrations, but this is not the time to disrupt public order. We are in close touch with the authorities and can assure you that plans are underway for meaningful engagements and economic interventions in the shortest possible time,” Gen. Isere stated during the meeting.
The interface was also attended by frontline leaders including Gen. Victor Adokeme (Delta State), Gen. Job Tari (Bayelsa), Samuel Akparsi Ebitari (Rivers), Chief Gen. Joseph (Edo), Gen. Tonye Fred, Gen. Parker Waritimi, and Gen. Kerebi Onbe, alongside Gen. Ojuemi Oweikeme a.k.a Luke-Luke and Gen. Oyinki Destiny a.k.a Baba Nee.
In a joint statement, the leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and called on the ex-agitators to trust the process. “Disruptions and roadblocks won’t help our cause. We are making progress through dialogue and strategic engagement. We must protect the peace we fought for,” they said.
The agitated ex agitators placed their
demands as immediate commencement of Biometric Verification Number….BVN issues, Increments of stipends , Training/ Empowerment scheme….(Leadership training, Scholarship slots.and to grant them audience to have a Meeting with him vin his office to engage the beneficiary leaders and stake holders.
The gesture by PPAPAP has been widely applauded by stakeholders in the Niger Delta for its proactive conflict resolution approach, reflecting a maturing post-amnesty leadership committed to sustaining peace, promoting development, and holding the government accountable through dialogue rather than confrontation.
As tensions de-escalate in Mbiama, attention now shifts to the Presidential Amnesty Office, which is expected to unveil the awaited programs that could further deepen reintegration efforts and economic empowerment across the Niger Delta region.
