An advocacy group in the Niger Delta, the Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), has cautioned against attempts by the leadership of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality to distort the Presidential Amnesty Programme's (PAP) objectives in a bid to misrepresent the scope and the beneficiaries of the PAP.

This group's remark is contained in a statement signed by its leader, Apst. Bodmas Prince Kemepade, in reaction to comments the ICHC attributed to one Dr. Shola Mese, who is said to be representing the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, on matters relating to the PAP.

Responding to the allegations of Dr. Mese’s that the programme under its current administrator, High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, is skewed against the Itsekiri people, the ICHC described the claims as false and capable of undermining the peace in the Niger Delta region.

Part of the statement reads, "The Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC) has observed, with deep concern, recent comments and tendencies emanating from the palace of the Olu of Itsekiri through one Dr. Mese who claims to be a representative of the Olu in the Amnesty programme, his unguided utterances seeks to misrepresent the scope, mandate, and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

"For the avoidance of doubt, the Amnesty Programme is not created to serve the Itsekiri Traditional Rulers Council, nor is it an appendage of the Olu of Itsekiri to be remotely dictated from his palace. The programme is a federal intervention designed to address the needs of its documented 30,000 beneficiaries; delegates drawn from across the Niger Delta region, without ethnic or sectional bias.

"It is therefore inappropriate and unhelpful for any traditional authority through proxies like Dr. Mese to attempt to impose influence or create the perception that the PAP is subject to their directives. The programme does not answer to the Itsekiri Palace, and its operational focus remains firmly on the empowerment, reintegration, and welfare of its registered beneficiaries across all Niger Delta communities," the ICHC added.

The ICHC further stressed that the PAP has moved beyond its disarmament phase and is currently focused on reintegration for registered beneficiaries comprising Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, and others, without room for political manipulation or ethnic favoritism.

"Importantly, the era of disarmament under the PAP has long passed, and the Itsekiri people:like every other ethnic nationality, must acknowledge this fact. The current phase is reintegration for already documented beneficiaries, not an avenue to reopen old disarmament claims or alter established beneficiary lists, if the Olu is interested in becoming an Ex-militant he should approach the Delta State government and beg for pardon.

"In addition, the ICHC vehemently strongly condemns the recent remarks by Dr. Shola Mese, who has attempted to mislead the public by suggesting that the PAP under Dr. Dennis Otuaro is skewed against the Itsekiri people. Such claims are not only false but are calculated to stir unnecessary ethnic tension. While Dr. Mese claims to have been involved in the disarmament phase years ago, that era is over. The PAP is now in its reintegration phase, which operates strictly on the basis of the existing list of beneficiaries, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and others alike without room for ethnic favoritism, blackmail or political manipulation.

"We remind Dr. Mese that his purported appointment as Sole Itsekiri Representative to the PAP Office in 2024, courtesy of the Olu of itsekiri recommendation is not tenable because there is no such thing as ethnic liaisons in the Presidential Amnesty Programme Office. Such presumptuous position that only exists in the imagination of the Olu of Itsekiri and Dr. Mese does not confer them the pretense of authority to dictate programme policy or undermine the Administrator, the PAP does not answer to the palace," the ICHC noted.

Reaffirming the ICHC's support for Dr. Otuaro, Kemepade commended him for his inclusive approach and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and called on the Olu of Itsekiri to respect the PAP office and to avoid making or endorsing statements that could cause ethnic tension. 

"We caution the Olu of Itsekiri and his proxies to refrain from actions or statements that could fan the embers of discord or present a distorted narrative about the PAP’s operations. Such a path, if replicated by other traditional rulers, risks undermining the fragile peace and stability of the region; peace which is essential for governance, development, and even the effective administration of traditional domains.

"We therefore urge His Majesty to respect the sanctity of his office and exercise the moral restraint befitting the honour and responsibility that comes with the revered Itsekiri throne. The PAP is a Niger Delta-wide peace instrument, not an ethnic bargaining chip for palace politics.

"The ICHC, led by Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, reiterates its full confidence in the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, who, since assuming office, has worked with diligence, inclusivity, and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His track record of engaging stakeholders across ethnic divides, and ensuring fairness in programme delivery, stands as a testament to his capability and dedication to the beneficiaries.

"Let it be known: the PAP belongs to the entire Niger Delta not the Itsekiri people nor their Olu and its continuity and success demand unity, not division," the group stressed.

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