The Niger Delta Mothers, under the Delta Ijaw Women for Peace and Culture (DIWPC), have strongly condemned ongoing media attacks against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro; High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo; and Engr. Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Mesahrun Ejiro Stella, on Sunday, the group expressed concern over what they described as a coordinated smear campaign aimed at discrediting the trio. They particularly singled out one Jude Gbaboyor—who was reportedly dismissed from the PAP office by the former administrator, Gen. Ndiomu, for alleged fraudulent activities—as the key figure behind the attacks.
According to DIWPC, these baseless allegations are deliberate attempts to derail Dr. Otuaro’s ongoing reforms in the Amnesty Programme, which are crucial for maintaining peace and fostering development in the Niger Delta. They also accused Gbaboyor and his associates of seeking to tarnish the hard-earned reputations of Tompolo and Engr. Pondi.
The group urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and other Niger Delta leaders to disregard the unfounded accusations and recognize them as attempts to create unnecessary adversaries for Dr. Otuaro, Tompolo, and Engr. Pondi.
They further warned that such distractions could undermine the core objectives of the Amnesty Programme, which has played a vital role in fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable development in the region. Instead of attacks, they stressed, Dr. Otuaro’s reforms deserve constructive support.
Emphasizing the role of responsible journalism, the women called on media professionals to uphold ethical reporting standards and contribute to peacebuilding rather than fueling division and misinformation. They cautioned that continued smear campaigns could erode trust between the government and ex-agitators, jeopardizing the gains made under the Amnesty Programme.
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The Niger Delta Mothers also called on government officials, community leaders, ex-agitators, and civil society organizations to rally behind Dr. Otuaro’s leadership and resist the efforts of detractors. They reiterated that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through unity and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, the group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s participation in politics, development, and peacebuilding, emphasizing that women’s voices are crucial in fostering progress and reconciliation in the Niger Delta.
They concluded by affirming that the people of the Niger Delta—including ex-agitators, civil rights groups, mothers, and community leaders—are satisfied with Dr. Otuaro’s leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The women demanded an immediate end to the smear campaigns against Dr. Otuaro, Tompolo, and Engr. Pondi, urging a shift toward a more constructive narrative that recognizes the progress made under their leadership.
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