Niger Delta forum backs Otuaro, Tompolo, blast critics

• …as IYC seeks unity, advocates fiscal federalism

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (Phase 3) has expressed concern over what it described as sustained attacks against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, and ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, describing the criticisms as baseless and driven by envy.

In a press statement made available to The Nation in Abuja on Saturday, the group said such attacks were unfortunate, particularly at a time when the Niger Delta is experiencing renewed peace and development.

The forum noted that under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the Presidential Amnesty Programme has recorded significant strides in education, capacity building, youth empowerment, and regional stability.

Members of the group, drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta, pointed to what they described as a major turnaround in the past two years, attributing the progress to reforms and improved management of the programme.

The statement also highlighted the role of Tompolo in securing oil pipelines through surveillance operations, which it said has not only curbed oil theft but also created employment opportunities for youths, leading to a reduction in violent crimes across the region.

The forum, through its convener, self-styled General Emma Satu, criticised the actions of some Ijaw leaders allegedly working against Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, accusing them of pursuing personal interests at the expense of regional development.

It also advised the Federal Government against calls to decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract, insisting that such agitations were being championed by individuals linked to oil theft and illegal bunkering.

According to the group, the current surveillance arrangement has improved security, boosted oil production, and enhanced stability in the Niger Delta.

The forum reaffirmed its support for both Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, urging stakeholders to sustain the prevailing peace and development in the region.

Satu described the actions of those behind the attacks as disgraceful; saying they are heading in the wrong direction at a time when leaders of the Niger Delta are talking about the development of the region.

He said, “when these same people were in the amnesty office, ex-agitators were suffering, but under the able leadership of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the past two years have been phenomenal. We are particularly happy to say that he has performed creditably and beyond our expectations when compared to his predecessors.

“We, the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (Phase 3) want to make it clear that the 30,000 ex-agitators in the Presidential Amnesty Programme have never had it so good as we are currently experiencing under the stewardship of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.

The Amnesty Programme which before now was characterized by corruption and other sharp practices is now on its right path, with targeted policies to effect the desired change and redirect the programme towards the attainment of its core objectives which is focused on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.

“Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s leadership has focused extensively on enhancing stakeholder engagement, ensuring timely stipend payments, and promoting merit-based education and vocational training for ex-agitators across the Niger Delta region.

“We want to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro to coordinate the affairs of the Amnesty Office. The President has done well by giving us, Niger Delta people, the recognition we deserve in is administration and we want to assure him of our unalloyed support ahead of the 2027 Presidential election.

“We equally want to address the several attacks on an illustrious son of the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo over the federal government pipeline surveillance contract awarded to his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

“We are emphatic in our condemnation of the allegations of misappropriation of funds, kidnapping, terrorism funding and several other crimes against humanity leveled against our two illustrious sons, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo during a sponsored-protest in Washington DC in the United States.

“Those spearheading these wicked and callous allegations are well known to us. The federal government and security agencies know them and their action has become a major source of concern to all stakeholders as it portends huge danger to peace in the Niger Delta.

“We are grateful to the federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo the much needed support, through the prompt release of funds to the Amnesty Office to carry various impactful programmes as well as the continued surveillance of pipelines to curb oil theft in the region.

“We also are unanimous in our decision to continue to promote and support all peace initiatives driven by the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the guidance of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, and well supported by the federal government.

“We ask all Niger Delta leaders and youths to remain steadfast with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has shown uncommon love for our people in his government and the development of our region.”

And in a related development, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, on Saturday, called for urgent unity among Niger Delta stakeholders, pushing for refocus on resource control among other struggles for the region.

They warned that the region risks losing sight of its broader political and economic goals amid growing tensions over pipeline surveillance contracts.

At a world press conference in Warri, Delta state, the group said recent agitations for the decentralisation of surveillance contracts awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited had triggered divisions within the Ijaw Nation, necessitating a reset in priorities.

Backing the Federal Government’s decision under President Bola Tinubu to retain Tantita, the IYC stressed that the region must move beyond internal disputes over oil asset protection and refocus on long-standing demands for resource control and fiscal restructuring.

A statement made available to reporters, read thus: “We state as a matter of fact that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has performed creditably in the discharge of its mandate. The company has demonstrated competence and commitment in securing oil installations and deserves the support of all critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta.”

But the council quickly broadened the conversation, warning that pipeline protection alone cannot define the Niger Delta’s struggle.

All critical stakeholders must begin to look beyond the immediate task of protecting oil and gas assets. We must put measures in place to ensure greater involvement of our people in oil and gas governance, rather than limiting the discussion to asset protection alone,” the group said.

Reminding stakeholders of the region’s historic demands, the IYC added: “Our leaders must reignite the conversation on true fiscal federalism and resource control… the more fundamental issue remains the control of our resources. This was the foundation of our collective struggle.”

The council also cautioned against internal fragmentation, invoking the unity that led to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The development of the Niger Delta cannot be achieved if we continue to fight among ourselves… That same spirit must guide us today,” it said.

On the contentious issue of decentralising surveillance contracts, the IYC argued that the current centralised model has delivered results, citing improved accountability and increased crude oil output.

“Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has demonstrated capacity… with a significant increase in crude oil production from about 700,000 barrels per day to about 1.8 million barrels per day. This achievement remains unprecedented in recent years,” the statement noted.

The group also issued a warning to external actors, urging “unpatriotic elements from other ethnic groups to stay clear of our issues,” while emphasizing that “Ijaws are one united people regardless.”

The IYC further called for dialogue and restraint among all factions, stressing that unity remained the cornerstone of progress.

“Our collective progress depends on stability, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the common good of our people,” the council said, urging Ijaw stakeholders to “rise above personal interests and embrace unity as the foundation for sustainable development and political relevance.”