By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
Ex-agitators under the aegis of Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme PAP, Bayelsa State Chapter, has called on Bayelsa State governor Senator Douye Diri to settle a rift among some stakeholders in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
A statement issued in Yenagoa and signed by its State Chairman, Gen. Stanley Abiri, a.k.a ‘Faceless, Secretary General, Okorotie Engobo and Chief Steven Ogei, and made available to newsmen strongly appeal to governor Diri to use his good office to broker peace among wrangling parties in the Presidential Amnesty Programme and prevail on all aggrieved persons to sheath their swords for the collective benefits of all delegates and sustain the prevailing peace in the region.
The group also cautioned what it described as “Pull down syndrome” among Ijaw people, warning that it undermines the collective growth and progress of the programme.
The group expressed regret that public attacks on notable Ijaw personalities, especially by Ijaws in the Amnesty office will achieve nothing but weaken their voice in the region.
According to the statement, disagreements and constructive criticism were necessary, but malicious campaign against respected Ijaws leaders and in-fighting among Ijaws amounted to seIf-sabotage.
The ex-agitators group alleged that, one Jude Gbaboyo, ,(a comrade) and follower of Dr. Victor Ebikabowei, a.k.a, Boy Loaf, has been leading media attacks on the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr.Dennis Otuaro and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias,Tompolo over flimsy excuses of interest.
They advised that aggrieved persons or parties should channel their issues through meaningful dialogue, adding that, there was no need for the Ijaws to fight among themselves. Stressing that, it would not bring any benefit to anybody.”
According to the leaders, other ethnic groups protect the image of their leaders, even though they have disagreements, and urged the Ijaws people to live in unity and mutual respect were vital for meaningful development .
They also called on Otuaro to remain focus and deliver on his mandate. Adding that, Otuaro, so far, has prioritizes delegates capacity building and securing opportunities for beneficiaries in the programme.
They also, urged on Otuaro to continue with the good initiatives he has implemented to achieve the set goals of the programme.
The statement concluded by saying that on unity we can guarantee sustainable peace and development in the region.
