Phase 3 Amnesty Leadership Crisis Deepens as Preye Ekpebite Claims Otuaro’s Backing for Continuity

 

By Wilson Macaulay

Fresh controversy has erupted within the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase 3 structure following allegations by a faction of ex-agitator leaders that the current factional chairman, Mr. Preye Ekpebite, is attempting to perpetuate himself in office under the guise of a purported endorsement by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Otuaro.

The development, which is already generating heated debates among stakeholders and ex-agitators across the Niger Delta region, came to public attention after Mr. Ekpebite reportedly addressed a gathering of supporters in Bomadi, Delta State, where he allegedly declared that he enjoys the blessings and backing of Chief Otuaro to continue in office for what he described as a “second term.”

However, in a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Gen. Kosie Semple and Gen. Tammy Solo, the group dismissed the claim as misleading, provocative, and unacceptable to the wider body of Phase 3 stakeholders. The leaders maintained that there is no constitutional provision or established arrangement recognizing a “second term” tenure within the Phase 3 Amnesty leadership structure.

According to the statement, the leadership arrangement of the Amnesty Programme was never designed to be monopolized by a single individual or faction, stressing that over 400 qualified generals from different Niger Delta states possess the competence, experience, and leadership capacity to serve as chairman if the need arises.

The aggrieved leaders further questioned the authenticity of the alleged endorsement credited to Chief Dennis Otuaro, insisting that such claims may have been fabricated to create false legitimacy and intimidate perceived opponents within the structure.

“We strongly doubt the claims made by Preye Ekpebite and his group regarding the alleged endorsement by Chief Dennis Otuaro,” the statement declared.

The group consequently called on the Amnesty Office to distance itself from any purported congress or gathering allegedly being organized by Mr. Ekpebite with the aim of securing self-imposition on the leadership structure of Phase 3 beneficiaries.

Political observers within the Niger Delta believe the unfolding development may trigger wider tensions among ex-agitator camps if urgent reconciliation measures are not initiated by relevant authorities. Many stakeholders are said to be worried that internal supremacy battles could distract from the core objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, particularly in the areas of human capital development, vocational training, educational advancement, and economic empowerment of beneficiaries.

Despite their dissatisfaction with the alleged moves by the factional chairman, the protesting leaders reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to the broader vision and reforms being championed under the current Amnesty administration. They commended ongoing efforts targeted at educational transformation, skill acquisition programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, and capacity-building schemes aimed at stabilizing the Niger Delta region.

Analysts say the controversy underscores the fragile power dynamics that continue to shape leadership struggles within ex-agitator structures years after the launch of the Federal Government’s amnesty initiative designed to restore peace and security in the oil-rich region.

As tension continues to mount, stakeholders are now calling for transparency, fairness, inclusiveness, and due consultation in any leadership process affecting Phase 3 beneficiaries in order to avoid further division among former agitators and grassroots actors across the Niger Delta.