The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has asked the Inspector General of Police and the director of the State Security Service, DSS to take immediate action against individuals sponsoring mischievous protests in the United States and the United Kingdom to allegedly spread unfounded allegations against the administrator of the presidential Amnesty (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and Chief Engr Kestin Pondi, MD Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The group, in a statement by its national President Comrade Ozobo Austin made available to newsmen said disgruntled individuals who are eyeing the seat of the presidential Amnesty administrator and potential oil thieves who were responsible for destruction of oil pipelines are spreading falsehood against Dr Otuaro, Tompolo and Kestin Pondi.
The IPDI expressed concerns over the negative impact these false claims could have on the reputation and integrity of the involved individuals and the wider Niger Delta region if not timely checked. They emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for disseminating these baseless allegations and to ensure that appropriate legal measures are taken against them.
The group emphasised the importance of protecting public figures such as Dr Otuaro, Tompolo and Kestin Pondi from detrimental falsehoods that can undermine their leadership and cause unwarranted division within the Niger Delta region.
Ozobo said IPDI remained committed to upholding the truth and advocating for justice in the face of fabricated narratives against Ijaw people and Niger Delta.
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IPDI highlighted that Dr Dennis Otuaro has done well as administrator of the presidential Amnesty program in just one year in office, adding that every well-meaning leader, stakeholder and youth should give him total support to do more for the Niger Delta and ex-agitators.
Ozobo said Tompolo and Kestin Pondi are great leaders that have empowered thousands of youths, stakeholders and women, and that they need to be appreciated for their good leadership..
They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore falsehood peddled against the great men, adding that conquered oil thieves and those who lost out for the race for the administrator of the presidential Amnesty program are spreading falsehood against Dr Otuaro Tompolo and Pondi.
The group said Dr Otuaro’s appointment has greatly contributed to the current peace enjoyed by his (Tinubu) administration, noting that Dr Otuaro did well to camp tension in the Niger Delta especially during the #end bad governance protests and in the face of the ongoing provocation regarding the Rivers political crisis.
According to IPDI, Otuaro’s appointment as PAP administrator was a square peg in a square hole, and was celebrated by all in Niger Delta, citing that he has kept his promises and implementing great reforms in the amnesty programme.
Ozobo further stressed that Tompolo and Engr Kestin Pondi has helped to restore the once bastardised Niger Delta environment, stopped once prevalence of oil thieves menace and boosted the country’s oil production to over two million (2m) barrels per day.
IPDI urged the Inspector General of Police and director of DSS to swing into action without a further delay in bringing to justice those peddling unfounded allegations against Dr Otuaro, Tompolo and Kestin Pondi to show deterrent to others.
