Ex-agitators now under the Presidential Amnesty Programme have promised to work with security agencies and other stakeholders to sustain the existing peace in the Niger Delta region.
Newly elected national executives of Phase 3 made the promise during their inauguration in Benin on Tuesday.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, the national chairman of Phase 3, Godstime Ogidigba, promised that his executive and all members would work with Tantita Security Services Limited and other agencies in the fight against oil theft.
Ogidigba, who promised to unite the members, including the aggrieved ones, also pledged to cooperate with the administrator of the PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro, to complete the works embarked upon by the programme.
He described Otuaro as the best administrator to have piloted the affairs of the PAP, adding that he restored several benefits that were stopped for ex-agitators upon assumption of office.
He said: “Otuaro assumed the Presidential Amnesty Office and reactivated many benefits for us.
“Before he came, they had stopped training for ex-agitators abroad, but when he came, he revisited the programme, and our members have been going abroad for training.
The most surprising programme Otuaro introduced is the empowerment programme for our women. This is the first time we are having this kind of programme.
“So, we have no reason not to cooperate with Otuaro with the significant change under his leadership.”
Ogidigba also pledged loyalty to Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
“I want to make it clear that we are joining Tompolo’s door-to-door campaign to make sure President Bola Tinubu returns to Aso Rock in 2027.
“We are also poised to work with Tantita security outfit to protect our oil infrastructure from oil thieves,” he added.
Earlier, the electoral committee chairman, Issu Festus, described the election as the most peaceful in the history of Phase 3.
He said the new leadership would pilot the affairs of the body for two years.
Other executive members are Dollar Gibson, Vice Chairman; Tonye Fred, Secretary; Godwin Governor, Assistant Secretary; Akpos Jericho, Treasurer; Oyin Bolowei, Publicity Secretary; and Ben Ray, Spokesman.
Also on the committee are Francis Akpohoro, Public Relations Officer; Don Oney, Mobilisation Officer; Biboye Wilberforce, Abuja Coordinator, and Jokpa Emovon, Special Adviser.
The Phase 3 chairmen of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Ondo states were also inaugurated at the event.
