Egbesu Brotherhood urges Tinubu to prioritise reintegration of ex-militants

A group, the Egbesu Brotherhood, has called on President Bola Tinubu to “prioritise reintegration” of ex-militants across the Niger Delta by urgently sacking the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (Rtd).

In a statement by its Chief Superintending officer, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, the Sacred Order of Egbesu Brotherhood said that Ndiomu’s sack would translate to the President’s fulfilment of campaign promises on the drive to foster development across the region.

The Brotherhood called for “overhauling government intervention agencies, parastatals and departments tasked with fostering development and peace in the region”.

However, the group commended President Tinubu for the screening and inauguration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board, expressing concern over the pattern of “interim appointments” in the Niger Delta as observed in the previous government.

The group said that its various submissions emerged from an assessment of various activities in the Niger Delta.

It expressed discontent with the prolonged neglect of pressing issues crucial for sustaining peace and development in the region, as well as government’s encountered obstacles in providing funding.

It also expressed concerns over the “presidency’s silence” on the alleged diversion of earmarked funds by Gen Barry Ndiomu (Rtd.) for reintegration,” of the Amnesty beneficiaries.

“The Brotherhood notes the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s positive impact on peace and development since 2009.

“The Brotherhood questions the Presidency’s silence in the face of counter-allegations and protest threats from ex-agitators, suggesting it may tarnish the administration’s early days.

“The Brotherhood expresses growing belief in rumors among Niger Delta youths about Ndiomu’s alleged manipulative tactics to retain power, citing his confident assertions that no one can remove him from office,” parts of the statement read.

Declaring support for any planned protest to shut down Abuja, the group said “our stance is clear: we seek Ndiomu’s removal from office and the appointment of a qualified individual with roots in the struggle for genuine representation.

“The current peace in the region has led to a significant increase in crude oil production in Nigeria. This serves as a clear call for the President to address corruption within the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

“The plea is to prioritise the reintegration of disillusioned youths, aiming to prevent a resurgence of unrest. Over 90% of Amnesty beneficiaries are reportedly dissatisfied with the program’s status or weary of past governments’ deceptive approaches to their reintegration into society,” the statement concluded.