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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has warned ex-agitators under the programme to resist any attempt and overtures by groups or individuals, no matter how highly placed, to draw them into the current situation in Rivers State.
Otuaro’s admonition came on the heels of rising tension in Rivers State amid the declaration of state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, ex-agitators should conduct themselves responsibly in the wake of the constitutional development in Rivers State.
“I’m appealing against engaging in violent activities or making yourselves available for acts capable of throwing the Niger Delta into chaos. I’m 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.’’
Otuaro implored the ex-agitators to be wary of some merchants of violence that want to make political gains out of tensions in Rivers State and use them as cannon fodders to disrupt the peace for their selfish desires.
“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 destabilisation 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.”
