RIVERS CRISIS: PAP Warns Ex-agitators Against Being Used As Cannon Fodders
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief (Dr) Dennis Otuaro has advised beneficiaries of the amnesty programme to refrain from being used to foment trouble in Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Otuaro said he is advising ex-agitators under the PAP to conduct themselves responsibly in the wake of the constitutional development in Rivers State.
“The PAP Office urges all ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to resist any attempt and overtures by groups or individuals, no matter how highly placed, to draw them into the current situation in Rivers State.
“I am appealing against engaging in violent activities or making yourselves available for acts capable of throwing the Niger Delta Region into chaos.
“I am reminding you of your obligations as critical stakeholders as well as ambassadors of peace to maintain and safeguard the region’s peace and stability for the safety of the Niger Delta people and their means of livelihoods.
“The PAP Office further wants all ex-agitators to beware that some merchants of violence will like to make political gains out of tensions in Rivers State and use them as cannon fodders to disrupt the peace for their selfish desires. You are urged to shun such temptations,” Dr. Otuaro said..
Dr. Otuaro noted that the Niger Delta has suffered enough on many fronts over the years, and all ex-agitators should realize this fact and ensure that the region is not plunged into further destabilization due to the developments in Rivers State.
“ Importantly, I am asking ex-agitators, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and the good people of the Niger Delta Region not to engage in the destruction of oil and gas and other government assets in the region,” the PAP boss said.
