Agbor, Delta State | June 2026
President of the Ika Youths Peace Movement (IYPM) and prominent ex-agitators’ leader, *Comrade Austin Imaghodor,* has strongly condemned the recent and proposed protests targeting the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), *Dr. Dennis Otuaro* , and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, *High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)* , describing those behind the demonstrations as “enemies of the Niger Delta.”
Imaghodor, while addressing journalists and stakeholders, alleged that a group of disgruntled former militants masquerading as ex-agitators had embarked on a deliberate campaign to destabilise the peace and development currently being enjoyed across the Niger Delta region.
According to him, the failed June 12 protest and another demonstration allegedly being planned for June 22 are part of a coordinated effort by certain individuals who are unwilling to support progress in the region.
“The people behind these protests are not working in the interest of the Niger Delta. They are enemies of peace and enemies of development. Their actions and body language clearly show that they are determined to create instability and pull down every Niger Delta leader who is making meaningful contributions to the growth of the region,” Imaghodor stated.
The IYPM President specifically referenced a viral video allegedly circulated by one Mr. Charles from Rivers State, in which plans were reportedly outlined for another protest against Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
According to Imaghodor, the organisers claimed to have secured transportation, accommodation, feeding arrangements and branded uniforms for participants expected to be mobilised from various Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) states.
He alleged that the planned protest is being sponsored by two former militant leaders who have continued to oppose every effort aimed at strengthening peace, security and development in the Niger Delta.
*“Tell Us Your Records”*
Imaghodor challenged the individuals behind the protests to openly present their achievements and contributions to the Niger Delta people if they genuinely believe they have performed better than Tompolo and Otuaro.
“If they claim they are better than Tompolo and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, let them come forward and tell the people of the Niger Delta their records. What have they achieved for the region? What have they done for ex-agitators, youths and host communities?”
“Other than personal greed and selfish ambitions, what exactly is their contribution compared to the developmental strides we are witnessing today?” he asked.
The youth leader accused the alleged sponsors of being driven by personal interests rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of Niger Delta communities.
*“No Niger Delta Leader Must Have Peace”*
Imaghodor further alleged that some former militant leaders had adopted a dangerous mindset that no Niger Delta leader should enjoy peace or public support except themselves.
According to him, whenever any Niger Delta son rises to prominence or receives an opportunity to serve, these individuals immediately launch media attacks, protests and campaigns aimed at discrediting such leaders.
“They have made up their minds that if opportunities do not come to them, nobody else should enjoy them. That is why they continuously sponsor protests and negative campaigns against Dr. Dennis Otuaro and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo.”
“They are unhappy because these leaders continue to enjoy the confidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and are delivering results that are visible to the people.”
*Praises PAP Reforms and Pipeline Security Successes*
The IYPM President praised the ongoing reforms under the Presidential Amnesty Programme, stating that Dr. Dennis Otuaro has introduced significant improvements since assuming office.
He also commended Tompolo for his role in protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure through pipeline surveillance operations, which he said have contributed immensely to improved security and increased crude oil production.
“Today, we are witnessing reforms and a massive turnaround in the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Beneficiaries are seeing positive changes and greater engagement.”
“Similarly, the security of oil and gas facilities has improved significantly. We all remember the challenges of insecurity, illegal bunkering and economic sabotage that plagued the region before these interventions.”
“Through strategic leadership and commitment, Tompolo has helped restore confidence and stability in many parts of the Niger Delta,” he said.
*Warning Against Political Manipulation*
Imaghodor questioned why certain individuals who have benefited from government programmes would continue to sponsor protests against officials appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He argued that the repeated demonstrations were politically motivated and designed to undermine the Federal Government through indirect attacks on key allies of the President in the Niger Delta.
“We have heard previous statements suggesting that they would not support the President unless pipeline surveillance contracts were taken away from Tompolo and shared among them.”
“The people have heard their message loud and clear. They should not attempt to deceive the public by presenting personal interests as public concerns.”
*June 12 Protest Failed Because Genuine Ex-Agitators Rejected It*
The ex-agitators’ leader maintained that the June 12 protest failed because genuine ex-agitators across the nine Niger Delta states refused to participate.
According to him, the overwhelming rejection of the demonstration showed that stakeholders in the region recognise the progress currently being recorded and are unwilling to support actions capable of reversing those gains.
“The June 12 protest failed woefully because genuine ex-agitators said no to sponsored protests.”
“We want to assure them again that any future protest built on falsehood and personal interests will equally fail.”
“If Dr. Dennis Otuaro is not performing, we will be the first to raise our voices. But what we are seeing is a situation where individuals allegedly recruit people who are not recognised members of the Amnesty Programme to protest for selfish reasons.”
*Calls on Security Agencies to Act*
Imaghodor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Disu, and other security agencies to closely monitor those allegedly sponsoring unrest in the Niger Delta.
He expressed concern over the possibility of unknown individuals being mobilised into the region under the guise of protest activities.
“Security remains fragile and must not be taken for granted. We cannot allow unknown persons to be imported into our communities under any pretext.”
“We are calling on all security agencies to remain vigilant and investigate those behind these planned protests before they create avoidable tension.”
He warned that persistent attempts to provoke respected regional leaders could threaten the peace that has been carefully nurtured over the years.
*“The Niger Delta Must Move Forward”*
Concluding his remarks, Comrade Austin Imaghodor urged stakeholders, youths, ex-agitators and community leaders to reject divisive politics and unite behind efforts aimed at sustaining peace, economic growth and development in the Niger Delta.
“The Niger Delta has suffered enough setbacks. What our people need now is unity, development and progress.”
“We must resist every attempt to drag the region backwards. Those pursuing personal interests at the expense of collective peace should understand that the people are wiser today.”
“The Niger Delta must continue to move forward, and we will not allow selfish individuals to derail the gains that have been achieved.”
