N-Delta Youth Leader Akiefa Calls Out Impostors as Tensions Rise Over Amnesty Boss Blackmail
By Ezekiel Kagbala
In a bold move to protect the integrity of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Comrade Frank Akiefa, a prominent Niger Delta activist and Deputy President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has announced his intention to pursue legal action against individuals he claimed are engaged in a campaign of blackmail against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty programme (PAP).
Akiefa, known for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Niger Delta youths, expressed his concerns during a press conference held in Yenagoa Bayelsa State on Tuesday. He condemned the ongoing smear campaign against Otuaro, asserting that such actions undermine the efforts of the Amnesty Programme, which aims to rehabilitate and reintegrate former militants into society.
"All allegations and blackmail against Dr. Dennis Otuaro by some fake Ex-agitators are not only baseless but also detrimental to the progress we have made in the Niger Delta region," Akiefa stated. "We will not stand by and allow the good work of the Amnesty Programme to be tarnished by unscrupulous individuals seeking personal gain."
He also warned some persons who claimed to be Ogbia Ex-militants of Bayelsa State, reminding them that the Presidential Amnesty Programme, established in 2009, has been pivotal in addressing the grievances of former militants and fostering peace in the region. Akiefa emphasized that Otuaro has been instrumental in driving the programme forward, and any attempts to discredit him are attacks on the collective efforts of the Niger Delta people which will be vehimently resisted.
Akiefa's announcement comes in the wake of a series of allegations made against Otuaro, which he claims are part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the programme. He urged the public to remain vigilant and not be swayed by misinformation.
"We are prepared to take all necessary legal steps to ensure that those behind this blackmail are held accountable," Akiefa warned. "We will not allow the hard-earned peace in our region to be jeopardized by the actions of a few."
Akiefa called on stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders, to rally behind Otuaro and support the ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering Niger Delta youths. He reiterated the importance of unity in the face of adversity, urging the youth to focus on constructive engagement rather than divisive tactics.
