PAP Cautions Ex-Agitators Against Involvement in Rivers State Crisis

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has cautioned ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme to resist any attempt to involve them in the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on March 19, 2025, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, urged all ex-agitators to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid any actions that could destabilize the Niger Delta region.

“The Niger Delta has suffered enough over the years, and ex-agitators must ensure that the region is not plunged into further destabilization due to the developments in Rivers State,” the statement read.

Chief Otuaro emphasized that some individuals or groups might seek to exploit the situation for political or personal gains, using ex-agitators as cannon fodders to incite violence. He urged them to shun such temptations and prioritize peace and stability.

“I am appealing against engaging in violent activities or making yourselves available for acts capable of throwing the Niger Delta 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.

“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.

“Importantly, I am asking ex-agitators, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and the good people of the Niger Delta not to engage in the destruction of oil and gas and other government assets in the region,” he stated.

Chief Otuaro reiterated PAP’s commitment to the well-being of ex-agitators and urged them to remain law-abiding while allowing constitutional processes to take their course.