February 12, (THEWILL) – The National Leadership of the Third Phase Beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme has warned its members against participating in any protest or engaging in pipeline vandalism, urging them to embrace dialogue in addressing their concerns.
The group also cautioned against sponsored attempts to undermine the administration of PAP’s Interim Administrator, Dr. Denis Otuaro, while passing a vote of confidence on him and the National Chairman of the Third Phase Ex-Agitators, General Elaye Slaboh.
The resolutions were reached during an enlarged meeting of ex-agitators from the First and Second Phases of the Amnesty Programme, alongside representatives of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), held at Latik Hotel, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Speaking after the meeting, General Elaye Slaboh declared that the era of blocking highways and destroying pipelines as a form of protest was over. He stressed that the leadership had resolved to engage the Federal Government and PAP authorities through dialogue to press home their demands.
“We have convened this national meeting, bringing together all camp leaders, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting the programme,” he stated.
Slaboh revealed that some elements were instigating a protest and planning to destroy pipelines, adding that the meeting was called to avert such actions and chart a peaceful way forward.
“During our deliberations, we extensively discussed issues relating to scholarships, BVN-related challenges, empowerment, and the need for stipend increments. We have resolved to table these matters before the Federal Government and the PAP office to seek meaningful resolutions,” he said.
He further commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for sustaining the amnesty programme and lauded the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his continued support, noting that Ribadu was currently defending the PAP budget to ensure the inclusion of key empowerment initiatives.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
