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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
A former Niger Delta freedom fighter, ‘General’ Preye Ekpebide, has expressed optimism that the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) will start functioning optimally following the recent change of its leadership.
Ekpebide who is the National Chairman of the Third Phase Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum made this known via a press statement sent to journalists on Thursday.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Chief (Dr) Dennis Otuaro, a product of the Niger Delta struggle as the administrator, he assured that Otuaro would prioritize the interest of delegates and stakeholders.
According to him, Otuaro is not only a fellow ex-freedom fighter, but also a visionary, a patriot, and an experienced administrator who would give a listening ear to the plight of beneficiaries of the programme.
Ekpebide said the acceptability of Otuaro amongst ex-agitators and Niger Delta stakeholders is a strong indication that he will succeed as PAP helmsman.
“We, therefore, see his appointment as a strategic presidential move to benefit all ex-agitators and sustain the existing peace in the oil-rich region.
“Leading ex-agitators is a difficult task, considering who we are and where we are coming from. It however becomes easy when most of us accept and are willing to work with the leadership.
“This is the positive thing about Dr. Otuaro’s appointment as Amnesty Boss: ex-agitators and other stakeholders of the region are happy and willing to work with him to actualize the aims and objectives of the Programme,” he stated.
The former Niger Delta warlord however advised the new PAP boss to surround himself with honest and patriotic aides who will enable him to succeed.
In his words: “Most times, leaders fail on their mandate because of the kind of people they surround themselves with.
“We strongly believe Dr. Otuaro will appoint aides who will be honest with him and help him to always do what is right, and what will benefit all delegates.
“He should equally establish effective channels of communication to hear directly from various PAP delegates.”
Ekpebide assured that the third phase ex-agitators forum under his leadership “will continue to give him the needed support for him to execute his noble plans for all ex-agitators.”
