Egbema Youth Council Worldwide Rejects Allegations Against General Aroni Oputu, Reaffirms Confidence in Chairman of Phase One Amnesty Beneficiaries
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
The Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide has expressed deep concern over a recent publication circulated by a group identifying itself as the Concerned Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, which made a series of allegations against General Aroni Oputu, Chairman of the Phase One Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Beneficiaries.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of the Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide, Barr. Amatelemowei A. Sode, and the General Secretary, Erin-Ebimi Gift, the council described the publication as a regrettable attempt to discredit the personality and leadership of General Aroni Oputu through allegations that, in the council’s view, remain unsubstantiated.
The council stated that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to express opinions and raise concerns about public affairs, such concerns should be pursued responsibly and supported by verifiable facts rather than personal attacks capable of undermining peace and unity within the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Responding to claims questioning General Aroni Oputu’s legitimacy as Chairman of the Phase One Amnesty Delegates, the Egbema Youth Council maintained that his emergence into the position followed internal processes recognized by stakeholders within the programme. The council urged anyone dissatisfied with that process to seek redress through lawful and established channels rather than engaging in media campaigns.
According to the statement, General Aroni Oputu has continued to demonstrate commitment to the ideals of peace, reconciliation, and constructive engagement among beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The council noted that leadership disagreements should not be allowed to overshadow the programme’s primary objective of sustaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
The council also rejected attempts to portray General Oputu as unworthy of leadership, emphasizing that the Presidential Amnesty Programme was established by the Federal Government as a platform for reconciliation, rehabilitation, and reintegration. It stressed that beneficiaries should not be subjected to public humiliation through allegations that have not been proven before any competent court of law.
According to the statement, the repeated use of criminal labels and derogatory language against General Oputu does not advance constructive dialogue but instead risks creating unnecessary divisions among beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Amnesty Programme.
The Egbema Youth Council further observed that disagreements over the history of the Niger Delta struggle or the roles played by various individuals should not become a basis for hate campaigns or coordinated efforts to discredit fellow beneficiaries. The council emphasized that the Amnesty Programme accommodates individuals from different backgrounds united by the common objective of promoting lasting peace and national reconciliation.
The council also expressed concern over remarks directed at the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, stating that resorting to insults, abusive language, or personal attacks against public officials weakens meaningful engagement and distracts from genuine issues requiring attention. It encouraged all parties to present grievances through respectful dialogue and appropriate administrative or legal channels.
Barr. Amatelemowei A. Sode stated that the Egbema Youth Council Worldwide has full confidence in General Aroni Oputu’s ability to continue serving as Chairman of the Phase One Amnesty Delegates and urged beneficiaries across the Niger Delta to support initiatives that strengthen unity, cooperation, and peace within the programme.
He further appealed to ex-agitators throughout the Niger Delta not to allow differences of opinion to erode the gains recorded through the Presidential Amnesty Programme over the years, noting that the programme remains one of the Federal Government’s most significant peace-building initiatives in the region.
The Egbema Youth Council Worldwide therefore called on all stakeholders to refrain from making inflammatory statements capable of inciting division or undermining public confidence in the Presidential Amnesty Programme. It urged individuals with genuine concerns to rely on dialogue, documentary evidence, and lawful dispute resolution mechanisms instead of media trials and personal attacks.
The council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace, justice, unity, and the continued success of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, expressing confidence that truth, fairness, due process, and mutual respect should remain the guiding principles in resolving disagreements within the programme.
Signed:
Barr. Amatelemowei A. Sode
President
Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide
Erin-Ebimi Gift
General Secretary
Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide
Source: Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide Statement
Report by: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For: Global Egberi Media International Ltd
About the Author
