.....Protest Leader Says Demonstration Will End Once PAP Administrator Addresses Welfare, Training and Delegate Concerns

Charles Warmate, a delegate of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and former agitator from Rivers State, has strongly denied allegations that the ongoing protest by delegates is being sponsored by ex-militant leaders Boyloaf and Shootaside, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Warmate, who has emerged as one of the leading voices behind the protest, said those linking Boyloaf and Shootaside to the agitation should be prepared to defend their allegations in court.

“I see one Emma Satu and some people making accusations against Boyloaf and Shootaside and then claiming that they are sponsoring us. How are they sponsoring us? I don’t know Boyloaf, and I don’t know Shootaside. They don’t know me either, and they do not have my contact information or phone number,” he said.

He added that both men should consider taking legal action against those spreading what he described as unfounded claims.

Protest Rooted in Welfare and Justice Concerns
According to Warmate, the protest was not organized to attack any individual or group but to draw attention to pressing concerns affecting delegates under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The demands, he explained, include an upward review of the monthly stipend paid to delegates, increased opportunities for training and empowerment, and the reinstatement of delegates allegedly removed from the programme under previous administrations.

Warmate noted that the current ₦65,000 monthly stipend no longer reflects Nigeria’s economic realities and should be reviewed to improve the welfare of beneficiaries.

“The protest is about the welfare of delegates, empowerment opportunities, and the return of those who were delisted. These are legitimate concerns that deserve attention,” he said.

Otuaro’s Response Key to Ending Protest
The PAP delegate revealed that while Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, had made a payment to beneficiaries, protesters are still waiting for him to directly address the issues they have raised.

“As I stated clearly in my video, we want Dennis Otuaro to address us. If he speaks to us directly or through any media platform, we will call off the protest,” Warmate said.

He stressed that dialogue remains the preferred path toward resolving the dispute and ending the demonstration.

Delisted Delegates Remain Major Concern
A major grievance, according to Warmate, is the alleged unlawful removal of delegates from the programme by previous administrators.

He clarified that protesters are not accusing Otuaro of carrying out the delisting exercise but are urging him to investigate the matter and restore those who may have been wrongly removed.

“Our concern is what happened to our brothers and how the delegate list was handled. We are not accusing Dennis Otuaro of removing them. We are only asking him to investigate the issue and reinstate those who were unjustly delisted,” he stated.

Rejecting Criminal Labels
Warmate also condemned attempts to portray protesters as criminals, saying participants in the demonstration have been unfairly branded kidnappers and lawbreakers.

According to him, such allegations are designed to discredit a peaceful movement and provoke unnecessary tension.

“They call us kidnappers and criminals and make all kinds of accusations. These claims are only meant to create confusion and provoke people,” he said.

No Conflict with Tompolo
Addressing claims that the protesters are opposed to Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, Warmate dismissed the suggestion and described the Niger Delta leader as a respected figure.

“Show us any video where we spoke against Tompolo. We have never opposed him,” he said.

Warmate maintained that the agitation is focused strictly on issues affecting delegates and should not be interpreted as an attack on Tompolo or the current leadership of the programme.

A Call for Dialogue and Reform
As tensions continue to build around the protest, Warmate reiterated that the delegates’ demands are straightforward: an increase in the ₦65,000 monthly stipend to reflect current economic realities, expanded training and empowerment opportunities, the reinstatement of wrongly delisted delegates, and a direct response from the PAP Administrator.

“Our request is simple,” he said. “Let the administrator address the issues on the ground, investigate the delisting of delegates, and ensure that those affected receive justice.”

For now, the protesters insist that meaningful engagement from the Presidential Amnesty Programme leadership remains the quickest path to ending the demonstration and restoring confidence among beneficiaries.