...Demand Reinstatement of Delisted Beneficiaries, Improved Training, Empowerment and Increased Stipends

A coalition of Niger Delta ex-agitators under the banner of the United Ex-Agitators has announced the suspension of its planned nationwide protest originally scheduled for June 22, 2026, following fresh engagements with representatives linked to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The announcement was made on June 20 by the group's spokesperson, Charles Warmate, during a meeting attended by representatives of the Amnesty Programme and leaders of the Third Phase ex-agitators in Rivers State.

Warmate disclosed that the decision to suspend the protest was reached after delegates sent to engage the group assured members that their grievances would be reviewed and addressed through appropriate channels.

Standing alongside PAP representative General Cairo and General Maxwell Sere, Chairman of the Third Phase Ex-Agitators in Rivers State, Warmate said the protest had not been cancelled but merely postponed for 60 days to allow government authorities sufficient time to act on their demands.

Ex-Agitators Give Government 60-Day Window
According to Warmate, the group had earlier resolved to embark on a peaceful protest over what it described as unresolved issues affecting numerous beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, particularly individuals who had allegedly been removed from the scheme and those experiencing challenges with stipend payments.

However, following discussions with government representatives, the group agreed to provide a 60-day grace period for intervention.

"Today, June 20, 2026, we are appealing to all state coordinators and members of our organization to remain calm. We have decided to extend the planned protest by 60 days because the delegates sent to us have assured us that our concerns will be looked into," Warmate said.

He emphasized that the group remains committed to pursuing its objectives and warned that failure to achieve meaningful progress within the stipulated period could result in further actions.

Delisted Beneficiaries Asked to Submit Documents
As part of efforts to facilitate the review process, Warmate directed all ex-agitators who have been delisted from the Amnesty Programme or are no longer receiving stipends to prepare and submit relevant documents for verification.

He explained that state coordinators across the Niger Delta would provide contact details through which affected individuals could submit their information.

According to him, representatives in each state will collect and collate the documents before forwarding them to the leadership of the United Ex-Agitators.

The documents will subsequently be transmitted to representatives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for official verification and assessment.

"We are putting a structure in place where affected persons can submit their documents through their state coordinators. These documents will be reviewed and forwarded for verification, and feedback will be communicated after the process is completed," he stated.

He clarified that the arrangement primarily concerns beneficiaries who receive their stipends directly from the programme and urged members to follow the established process to avoid confusion.

Three Key Demands Remain Unchanged
Despite the suspension of the protest, Warmate maintained that the group's demands remain intact.

According to him, the ex-agitators are seeking:

Immediate reinstatement of all delisted beneficiaries.

Adequate training and empowerment opportunities for former beneficiaries.

An upward review of monthly stipends.

He stressed that the welfare and long-term reintegration of ex-agitators remain critical to sustaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

"Our demands are genuine and remain unchanged. The first issue we want addressed is the reinstatement of those who have been delisted. After that, attention should be given to training, empowerment, and the review of stipends," he said.

PAP Representative Welcomes Suspension of Protest
Speaking during the meeting, PAP representative General Cairo commended the leadership of the United Ex-Agitators for embracing dialogue and choosing a peaceful path.

He described the decision to suspend the protest as a demonstration of maturity and commitment to national peace.

According to him, discussions between stakeholders had been productive, and efforts were ongoing to ensure that concerns raised by the ex-agitators receive proper attention.

"We have concluded our discussions and reached a resolution. What we all want is peace in Nigeria, and we believe we are working toward achieving that objective," he said.

General Cairo expressed appreciation to the ex-agitators for listening to appeals from stakeholders and agreeing to give authorities additional time to address their concerns.

He reiterated that peaceful engagement remains the most effective avenue for resolving grievances and strengthening confidence between beneficiaries and the Amnesty Programme.

Rivers State Ex-Agitator Leader Calls for Unity
Also speaking, General Maxwell Sere, Chairman of the Rivers State Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme beneficiaries, praised members for maintaining unity despite existing challenges.

Addressing participants from Bukanma in Rivers State, Sere noted that the state and the wider Niger Delta continue to face various pressures, making unity and cooperation more important than ever.

He urged members to avoid divisions and remain focused on constructive engagement with relevant authorities.

"We are all brothers. Nobody hates anyone. We remain united, and we thank God for everything. Our focus should be on maintaining peace while pursuing solutions to the issues affecting our people," he said.

Hope for Resolution Through Dialogue
The suspension of the June 22 protest marks a significant development in ongoing discussions between ex-agitator groups and authorities overseeing the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

With a 60-day window now in place, attention will shift to how quickly concerns surrounding delisted beneficiaries, empowerment opportunities, and stipend reviews are addressed.

For many stakeholders in the Niger Delta, the coming weeks are expected to determine whether dialogue will deliver the reforms sought by former beneficiaries or whether agitation could once again return to the forefront of the region's discourse.