Progressive Peace Ambassadors of Presidential Amnesty Program (PPAPAP) Hold Unity Conference in Ibiama, Rivers State,
– Applauds Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s Leadership of PAP
– Calls for Urgent Reforms in PAP to Address Lingering Challenges
By Wilson Macaulay
The Progressive Peace Ambassadors of Presidential Amnesty Program (PPAPAP)—a coalition of ex-agitators from the first, second, and third phases in a decisive move to address critical issues within the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP) and the Ijaw Nation, convened a significant unity conference in Ibiama, Ahoada LGA, Rivers State on the 8, of March 2025.
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The event brought together influential leaders and former field operatives who once fought for the emancipation of the Niger Delta but have since embraced peace under the amnesty framework. The conference focused on fostering unity within PAP and the need to address internal divisions within the PAP. They advocated for urgent reforms to restore the program’s original objectives.
A Press release signed by Gen. Markson Isere aka IJB Rivers State ( Gen. Parker Wariitimi Bayelsa State, Gen. Karebi Onbe Delta State , Gen. Joseph Isanmi Edo State made available to Daily independent Newspaper reads in part:
“During the meeting, PPAPAP leaders voiced serious concerns about the current state of the Amnesty Program, citing internal divisions and favoritism that have eroded its core mission. They warned that failure to address these challenges could lead to renewed unrest in the region.”
PPAPAP members criticized the selection process for scholarships, training, and empowerment programs, alleging that it had become plagued by favoritism rather than merit. They insisted that the program must return to a transparent system where beneficiaries are selected based on a fair and verifiable database, free from political or personal bias.
The conference also served as a platform to commend the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for his strides in repositioning the Amnesty Program since assuming office.
While acknowledging Dr. Otuaro’s efforts, PPAPAP noted that the benefits of his good works is not getting to them because of leadership tussle and lack of transparency and integrity.
The Group presented a set of urgent reforms needed to strengthen the amnesty program and restore its integrity.
They itemized their request as follow:
1 Increase of Stipends . We Need increase of Stipends to reflect contemporary reality.
The ₦65,000 stipend, introduced in 2009 under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, is no longer sufficient given the rising cost of living.
2 Total resolution of BVN Matters, which is still persisting in Third Phase.
Despite efforts to resolve BVN-related issues, thousands of ex-agitators remain unpaid.
3 We Need Training and Empowerment
4 We Need Third Phase Leadership Training
5 We Need Scholarship Slots. Most of us in Third Phase did not get Scholarship Slots.
The PPAPAP warned that there should be a
Transparent Selection process for Scholarships, Training, and Empowerment. The PAP office should put an end to preferential selection based on personal connections. They maintained that there should be fair system that ensures all qualified beneficiaries gets what they deserve.
A Warning Against Complacency
PPAPAP emphasized that while they remain committed to peace, they will not tolerate the continued mismanagement of the Amnesty Program. They called on critical stakeholders—including the Federal Government, Niger Delta leaders, and security agencies—to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
The group also expressed deep concern over the leadership dispute within the Third Phase of the Amnesty Program, particularly the conflict which recently escalated at the birthday event of
Hon Prince Ebitimi Amgbare MD/ CEO NDBDA in Yenagoa. They stressed that resolving this leadership crisis is essential to ensuring that the benefits of the program reach all members fairly.
“As peace ambassadors, we believe in dialogue and solutions. However, if these issues continue to be ignored, it can lead to chaos. We cannot afford another phase of crisis in the Niger Delta,” the group warned.
A Call to Action
The conference concluded with a firm resolution to continue engaging relevant authorities to ensure that the Amnesty Program fulfills its mandate. PPAPAP urged President Tinubu, the PAP administrator, and other key stakeholders to take swift action in addressing their concerns before tensions escalate.
PPAPAP reaffirmed its commitment to peace but stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, fairness, and inclusivity in the implementation of the Amnesty Program.
Conclusion
While PPAPAP commended the ongoing efforts of President Tinubu and Dr. Otuaro, for the good works he is doing,they left no doubt that the urgent reforms listed above are necessary to maintain stability and prevent the resurgence of unrest in the Niger Delta.
