...As 60-Day Countdown Begins as Ex-Agitators Demand Resolution of Delisted Amnesty Cases, Training, Empowerment, and Stipend Review

A coalition of ex-agitators under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has intensified its call for the resolution of outstanding issues affecting beneficiaries, warning that a 60-day ultimatum issued to the authorities is already in motion.

The group stated that unless urgent steps are taken to address concerns relating to delisted beneficiaries, training and empowerment opportunities, and the review of monthly stipends for ex-agitators who embraced the Federal Government's amnesty initiative, it may be compelled to embark on sustained peaceful protests across the Niger Delta region.

According to the group, coordinators have now been appointed across various states and ethnic blocs within the Niger Delta to facilitate the collation and ratification of names of affected individuals who were allegedly delisted from the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The coordinators are expected to serve as liaison officers between impacted beneficiaries and the Presidential Amnesty Office to ensure that pending issues are resolved within the stipulated timeframe.

Speaking on behalf of the concerned ex-agitators, Comrade Charles Warmate emphasized the need for the Presidential Amnesty Office to act swiftly in addressing the grievances of affected delegates and beneficiaries.

He noted that many former agitators who surrendered their arms in support of peace and stability in the Niger Delta continue to face challenges relating to exclusion from the programme, inadequate empowerment opportunities, and stagnant stipends despite rising economic realities.

According to Warmate, the primary demands of the affected ex-agitators include the immediate review and ratification of delisted names, implementation of meaningful training and empowerment programmes for delegates, and an upward review of monthly stipends to reflect current economic conditions.

He maintained that these demands are aimed at sustaining the peace process in the region and ensuring that those who embraced the Federal Government's amnesty initiative continue to benefit from the programme's objectives.

Coordinators Appointed Across States
To facilitate the smooth handling of complaints and submissions from affected beneficiaries, the group announced the following coordinators:

Kalabari

Michael Tariah

Phone: 07030723232

Rivers State

Austin Uduak

Phone: 08061480275

Delta State

Prince Emurotu

Phone: 09072883374

Bayelsa State

Demain Nathan Erikaemi

Phone: 08150675262

Imo State

Etiti Uju Godwin

Phone: 08062405557

Akwa Ibom State

Victor Prince Daniel

Phone: 08022866619

Ondo and Edo States

Tare Disemoh

Phone: 08065272710

The coordinators are expected to receive complaints, compile records of affected individuals, and forward verified details to the appropriate authorities within the Presidential Amnesty Office for consideration and ratification.

Call for Immediate Government Action
The coalition stressed that the 60-day ultimatum should be taken seriously by relevant authorities, describing the demands as legitimate concerns affecting the welfare and future of many ex-agitators across the Niger Delta.

The group argued that the Presidential Amnesty Programme was established to promote peace, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former agitators into society, adding that addressing the concerns of beneficiaries would further strengthen stability and development in the oil-rich region.

Comrade Warmate reiterated that while the group remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement, patience among affected beneficiaries is wearing thin due to the prolonged delay in resolving the issues.

He warned that should the concerns remain unaddressed after the expiration of the 60-day period, members may proceed with a sustained and peaceful protest campaign until their demands receive the attention they deserve.

"We are calling on the Presidential Amnesty Office to urgently address these issues. The clock is already ticking on the 60-day ultimatum. We remain committed to peace, but our members expect concrete action on the ratification of delisted names, training and empowerment opportunities, and the review of monthly stipends," Warmate stated.

The development is expected to draw attention from stakeholders across the Niger Delta, as beneficiaries and community leaders continue to monitor the government's response to the demands raised by the ex-agitators.