Scores of ex-Niger Delta agitators staged a peaceful protest in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, yesterday, condemning actions by prominent ex-agitators Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, alias General Boyloaf, and Bibopere Ajube, alias General Shoot-at-Sight, which they claim threaten the peace and development of the Niger Delta region.
The protesters, rallying under the banner of Ex-Agitators under Ex agitators from phase 3 of presidential amnesty, accused Boyloaf and Shoot-at-Sight of orchestrating smear campaigns against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
They alleged that the duo, pained by Tompolo’s recommendation of Otuaro for the PAP role, which curtailed their influence and looting, have sponsored individuals abroad to defame Tompolo with baseless accusations of crimes against humanity and malign Otuaro with false claims of embezzling amnesty funds.
“Our leader, Government Tompolo, stopped their looting when he recommended Dennis Otuaro for the Presidential Amnesty job,” declared Theophilus Vicas Ebiama (spokesperson), a leader of the protesters. “The likes of Boyloaf and Shoot-at-Sight are pained and have resorted to sponsoring campaigns to tarnish the image of our warlord and Otuaro. We warn them to desist from defaming and maligning these leaders who are committed to the progress of the Niger Delta.”
The ex-agitators urged Boyloaf and Shoot-at-Sight to seek legitimate employment, stating, “Their time has passed, and no amount of calumny will stop Tompolo and Otuaro from bringing development to our region.” They further called on Nigerians not to forget the alleged looting and destruction of the Kaiama Vocational Training Centre in Bayelsa State, which they claim was orchestrated by the accused ex-agitators.
The protesters demanded that the Federal Government publish the full report of the panel that investigated the incident to ensure transparency and accountability.
Additionally, the group appealed to the Federal Government to increase operational funding for Tantita Security Services Limited, a private security firm led by Tompolo, credited with stabilizing Nigeria’s oil production. “Before Tantita, oil production was less than one million barrels per day,” said Theophilus Vicas Ebiama a spokesperson for the Ex agitators from phase 3 of presidential amnesty. “Today, thanks to Tantita’s efforts in securing the nation’s pipelines, we are nearly exceeding the OPEC quota. The government must provide more funding to sustain this progress.”
The protest concluded with the ex-agitators passing a vote of confidence in Dr. Otuaro’s leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. They praised the programme for providing jobs and skills training to Niger Delta youths, contributing significantly to regional development.
“Under Otuaro, the PAP has transformed lives, empowered our youths, and fostered peace,” steven affirmed. “We stand firmly behind him and Tompolo in their efforts to uplift our region.”
The ex-agitators reiterated their commitment to peace and called on all stakeholders to support the ongoing efforts to develop the Niger Delta, urging an end to divisive actions that undermine regional stability.
