Amnesty Stipends Increment: Ogidigba calls on top Ex-agitators to unite, says Dr Otuaro not responsible for delay

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

National Chairman, Phase 3 Amnesty Programme, Gen. Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba, has revealed that disunity among top leaders is hindering the increment of the ₦65,000 monthly stipend for Presidential Amnesty Programme beneficiaries.

According to the statement, Chief Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Programme, is not responsible for the delay, as he operates within the guidelines and policies set by the Federal Government.

The statement calls on the “Big Five” and “Big Ten” leaders, key stakeholders and original signatories to the Amnesty Programme, to unite and speak with one voice to authorities to push for the stipend increase.

Beneficiaries are urged to appeal to their leaders to set aside grievances and convene a roundtable discussion to resolve outstanding issues. They are also encouraged to support Chief Otuaro’s vision for leadership development, vocational training, and empowerment programmes.

The statement concludes with an appeal to top leaders to prioritize meaningful dialogue for the greater good of beneficiaries and the Ijaw Nation.

The statement reads,
“First, it is important to state clearly that Chief Dennis Otuaro cannot and has not delayed the increment of the monthly stipend. Chief Dennis Otuaro is an appointee of the Federal Government and not the Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Amnesty Programme with independent authority to increase stipends at will. He operates strictly in line with the guidelines, policies, and official documents governing the Programme and remains answerable to the appropriate government authorities”.

The challenge regarding the increment of the ₦65,000 monthly stipend is largely due to disunity among some top leaders of the Amnesty Programme. As it is often said, a house divided against itself cannot stand. When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. That is the current situation on the ground”.

For the stipend to be increased, the “Big Five” and the “Big Ten” leaders must come together in unity and speak with one voice to the appropriate authorities. They are key stakeholders and original signatories to the Amnesty Programme, and their collective agreement and unified representation carry significant weight with the Presidency”.

“Therefore, I call on all beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme to appeal to their leaders to set aside grievances and personal differences, and to convene a roundtable discussion to resolve all outstanding issues in the interest of all beneficiaries”.

“Furthermore, I urge all beneficiaries to remain calm and support Chief Dennis Otuaro’s vision, particularly his focus on leadership development, vocational training, and empowerment programmes. These initiatives provide a sustainable pathway beyond continued dependence on the ₦65,000 monthly stipend”.

“On this basis, I humbly appeal once again to the top leaders of the Programme to put aside anger and embrace meaningful dialogue for the greater good of all beneficiaries and the wider Ijaw Nation”.