N’Delta Mothers Fault Critics For Peddling lies Against PAP Boss Dr. Otuaro, Tompolo, Kestin, Warn Mischief Makers to Desist

By Osaro Michael, Benin

Aged women under the auspices of Delta Ijaw Women for Peace and Culture (DIWPC), have outrightly condemned the reocurring media attacks and campaigns of calumny against the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), and Engr. Kestin Pondi, MD of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. These attacks, particularly those propagated by one Jude Gbaboyor, who was reportedly disengaged from the PAP office by the previous administrator, Gen. Ndiomu, due to consistent involvement in fraudulent activities, are especially concerning.

The Niger Delta mothers stated that the unjust attacks from Gbaboyor and his associates are calculated attempts to undermine the crucial reforms Dr. Otuaro is implementing in the Presidential Amnesty Programme to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region, and to tarnish the hard-earned reputations of Tompolo and Engr. Kestin Pondi.

In a statement released by the group, signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Mesahrun Ejiro Stella, on Sunday, they expressed deep concern over the negative portrayal of the PAP administrator, Tompolo, and Kestin Pondi by individuals they described as enemies of the Niger Delta region. They urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the national security adviser, and other well-meaning leaders of the Niger Delta to disregard the baseless rhetoric spread by Gbaboyor and other conspirators.

The group maintained that the conspiracy aims to distract Dr. Otuaro from the important objectives of the Amnesty Programme and to create adversaries for Tompolo and Engr. Kestin Pondi in the Niger Delta and beyond. They noted that the PAP initiative has been pivotal in fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable development for former ex-agitators and the broader Niger Delta community, adding that Dr. Otuaro’s reforms deserve constructive support rather than disparagement.

The women stressed that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception and discourse. They urged media practitioners to adhere to ethical standards and ensure that their reporting contributes positively to the region’s peace efforts, rather than perpetuating division and misinformation. The Niger Delta Mothers added that the recurring attacks create a hostile environment that jeopardizes the hard-won gains of Dr. Otuaro’s reforms and the trust built between the government and ex-agitators.

However, the Delta Ijaw Women for Peace and Culture called upon all well-meaning stakeholders—government officials, community leaders, ex-agitators, and civil society organizations—to unite in their support for Dr. Otuaro’s reforms against mischief makers and detractors. They reiterated the need for collaborative efforts to address the underlying issues of unrest and violence in the Niger Delta, emphasizing that only through solidarity and mutual understanding can lasting peace be achieved in the region.

The mothers committed to advocating for women’s involvement in politics, development and peacebuilding efforts, emphasizing that the voices of women are essential in driving sustainable development and reconciliation in the region. They encouraged all citizens in the region to engage in positive discourse that uplifts the PAP and Dr. Otuaro’s reforms rather than tearing them down.

The women urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the national security adviser, and other relevant authorities to ignore the fallacies peddled against Dr. Otuaro, Tompolo, and Kestin Pondi by mischief makers, adding that the people of the Niger Delta—including ex-agitators, civil rights organizations, mothers, and community leaders—are pleased with Dr. Otuaro’s reforms as administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

Consequently, Delta Ijaw Women for Peace and Culture call for an end to the media smear campaigns against Dr. Otuaro, Tompolo, and Kestin, and a shift towards fostering a more supportive narrative that acknowledges the progress made by the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Otuaro, and the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

“True peace and development can only be realized through collective efforts and a commitment to constructive dialogue, not rhetoric and smear campaigns,” they noted.