Ex-agitator Leaders from Bayelsa, Delta Seek Inclusion in PAP Leadership Training
Ex-agitators comprising leaders of the various camps in the third phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme from Bayelsa and Delta States converged in Warri on Tuesday calling on the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro to include them in the leadership training programme for Ex-agitators.
The Ex-agitators, most of whom were camp owners and leaders, at the meeting held in the oil city, noted with concern that they "had waited for too long for PAP to be included in the leadership training of the third phase agitators".
According to them, to their greatest disappointment, those who did not surrender arms are profiled for leadership training while those who were at the frontline are being neglected and excluded".
The demand by the Ex-agitators was contained in a letter jointly signed by the leaders of the group, self-styled General John Musa (Chairman), Ebiye Godbess (Secretary), and Samson Okou and Jeremiah Oweilala respectively.
The group emphasized that their non inclusion not only hampers their individual growth but also undermines the overall objectives of the PAP.
They called on the PAP Administrator to "take immediate action to ensure that the mentioned camp leaders regardless of their phase in the Programme, are given equal access to training and empowerment initiatives".
The Ex-agitators however expressed their commitment to peace and development in the Niger Delta region, but stressed that "this commitment must be met with corresponding support from the government".
The letter partly reads, "We write to draw the attention of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro to address the exclusion of the mentioned former freedom fighters in the leadership training programme for 'generals' who are mainly camp owners under the phase 3.
The Ex-agitator Leaders who made the demand includes: Jeremiah Oweilala of Amabulobou camp Bayelsa State, Omotete Zechariah of Ogbogbene
camp Bilabiri Bayelsa, Fun Benson of Eremotie camp Bilabiri Bayelsa, Kingsley Silo of C-lion camp Delta, Master John Musa of Osumagba camp Delta, Joseph Okubopade of One-way camp Delta, Paul Emeregbene of Bienmobou Camp, Delta, Samson Okou of Ezegbetu camp Delta, Aeroplane Edirin of Emegbigidi camp Delta State Victor Fewawreseimone Amadino of Boruku camp Delta, Amos Okosuwei of Brakuro camp, Delta.
"We are constrained to make this public as we are afraid that we are about to be totally excluded if we do not take our destiny in our hands and act now to draw the attention of Dennis Otuaro using the available means known to us. All we ask for is to be included as camp owners and leaders for the leadership training.
"We are aware that you, our overall leader, Dr. Dennis Otuaro promised to carry everyone along including the impacted communities and even reposition the Programme, of which we commend and appreciate your leadership.
"However, we cannot continue to watch while those who are not part of the amnesty programme take it all. We cannot afford to wait for this opportunity to end, rather we will take decisive action against those who have come to hijack the training design for us, at least they will show us their camps, leaders and when they were enlisted.
"The Presidential Amnesty Programme was originally established to facilitate our reintegration into the society by providing us with the necessary skills and support to build a better future, but we find ourselves excluded from these vital opportunities.”
While noting that their exclusion not only hampers their individual growth but also undermines the overall objectives of the PAP, the group called on Dr. Otuaro to take immediate action to ensure that the mentioned camp leaders regardless of their Phase in the Programme, are given equal access to training and empowerment initiatives.
“We urge you, Dr. Otuaro, to reconsider the current approach and ensure that the mentioned ex-agitator Leaders are accommodated in the training programs. It is imperative that we are given the tools to succeed and contribute positively to our communities".
