Scripting ‘RIP’ On Otuaro’s Photograph, A Criticism Taken Too Far – Gen. Ogidigba Tells Kwalekeme

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The National Chairman of the Phase 3 Amnesty Programme, Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba, has cautioned Mr. Cletus Kwalekeme to desist from what he described as uncivil and offensive attacks against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, on social media, warning that continued actions of such nature could attract legal consequences.

In a statement made available to newsmen on July 3, 2026, Gen. Ogidigba stated that while constructive criticism is a fundamental aspect of every democratic society, he strongly condemned the circulation of a “RIP” inscription on the photograph of a living person, describing the act as unacceptable, disrespectful and malicious.

According to him, targeting a respected public figure such as Chief Dennis Otuaro with such imagery goes beyond legitimate criticism and should not be encouraged under any circumstance.

Gen. Ogidigba further maintained that, in his assessment, Chief Dennis Otuaro’s performance as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme compares favourably with those of previous administrators, noting that only the administration of Hon. Kingsley Kuku stands out as similarly remarkable.

He also warned Mr. Cletus Kwalekeme and others engaging in what he described as persistent social media attacks against Chief Dennis Otuaro and other prominent Ijaw leaders to refrain from such conduct, stressing that defamatory or inflammatory actions could have legal implications.

The Phase 3 Amnesty Programme chairman appealed for peace, unity and mutual respect among Ijaw leaders and stakeholders, urging traditional rulers, political leaders, religious leaders, opinion leaders, women and youth groups to continue supporting the leadership of Chief Dennis Otuaro in the interest of peace, stability and development in the Niger Delta.