Breaking: Ex-Agitators Storm Abuja In Large Numbers, DSS Dialogue Puts November 2 Protest On Hold As Outstanding PAP Demands Remain Unresolved
...Coalition Of Presidential Amnesty Programme Phases 1, 2 And 3 Awaits November 3 DSS Meeting Before Deciding Next Move; BVN Funds, Stipend Increase, Arrears And Disputed Slots Top Demands
By Passman Akpos
The Coalition of Ex-Agitators from Phases 1, 2 and 3 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has arrived in Abuja in large numbers, with several buses conveying members ahead of their planned peaceful protest over outstanding welfare concerns and unresolved entitlements.
The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing agitation by former Niger Delta agitators, who are demanding urgent intervention over alleged unpaid benefits, stipend-related concerns, disputed camp slots and other outstanding obligations under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
However, in a fresh twist, the coalition has agreed to await the outcome of a proposed dialogue with the Department of State Services (DSS), scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, before making a final decision on whether to proceed with the planned demonstration.
The development follows an earlier report by Tarakirivoice Newspaper titled:
“BREAKING: DSS Invites Niger Delta Ex-Militant Leaders To Abuja Meeting As November 2 Protest Mobilisation Continues.”
In the report, Tarakirivoice disclosed that the DSS Headquarters in Abuja had reached out to the coalition through its legal counsel, inviting representatives for a meeting aimed at discussing the grievances contained in the coalition’s petition.
The latest announcement confirms that members of the coalition have now arrived in Abuja, while their leadership prepares for the proposed engagement with the security agency.
EX-AGITATORS ARRIVE ABUJA AS PRESSURE MOUNTS OVER PAP ENTITLEMENTS
The arrival of the coalition in Abuja comes amid growing dissatisfaction among sections of the ex-agitator community over what they describe as prolonged delays in addressing their welfare concerns and outstanding entitlements.
The coalition, comprising beneficiaries and representatives from Presidential Amnesty Programme Phases 1, 2 and 3, is demanding immediate attention to several issues it considers critical to the welfare and rights of its members.
Among its principal demands are the payment of all outstanding BVN-related funds allegedly owed to beneficiaries, an increase in the monthly stipend, the settlement of pending arrears, and the recovery and restoration of slots allegedly withheld or taken by the Amnesty Office over the years.
The coalition is also seeking the resolution of other outstanding benefits and entitlements believed to be due to affected PAP beneficiaries.
According to the coalition, these issues have remained unresolved despite previous engagements and appeals for intervention.
The planned demonstration was intended to draw public attention to the grievances and compel the relevant authorities to address them.
However, the coalition’s latest decision to await the DSS dialogue has introduced a new dimension into the unfolding situation.
DSS INVITES COALITION FOR DIALOGUE
In what could become a decisive moment in the ongoing dispute, the Department of State Services has invited representatives of the coalition for a dialogue scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The invitation reportedly followed communication between the DSS Headquarters and the coalition’s legal counsel.
As previously reported by Tarakirivoice, the coalition identified the DSS contact person as Bolaji, who reportedly contacted its legal counsel by telephone concerning the proposed meeting.
The earlier announcement stated that the meeting was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the DSS Headquarters in Abuja.
The coalition had also resolved to nominate two representatives from among its members mobilising to Abuja to accompany its legal counsel to the engagement.
The purpose of the meeting is to formally present the coalition’s grievances, discuss the issues raised in its petition and explore possible avenues for resolving the concerns.
The latest announcement indicates that the coalition has agreed to await the outcome of the proposed discussion before determining its next course of action.
However, the invitation does not automatically mean that the coalition’s demands have been accepted or that outstanding entitlements have been settled.
NOVEMBER 2 PROTEST NOT CANCELLED
One of the most significant aspects of the coalition’s latest announcement is the clarification surrounding the planned peaceful protest.
Although the coalition has agreed to await the outcome of the DSS meeting, it has not announced that the demonstration has been cancelled.
Rather, its leadership has indicated that a final decision on whether to proceed with the protest will depend on the outcome of the November 3 engagement.
This distinction is particularly important given that the DSS meeting is scheduled for one day after the original protest date.
The coalition’s arrival in Abuja demonstrates that mobilisation has continued, even as the leadership explores dialogue with the authorities.
Members have been urged to remain calm, maintain communication with the national leadership and await further directives.
The coalition has also reiterated its commitment to peaceful protest, dialogue and constructive engagement.
For now, the future of the planned demonstration remains dependent on the outcome of the proposed meeting.
FOUR MAJOR ISSUES AT THE CENTRE OF THE PAP CONTROVERSY
The latest mobilisation follows previous complaints and petitions by representatives of the ex-agitators over unresolved issues affecting beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The coalition’s current demands include:
- Payment Of Outstanding BVN-Related Funds
The coalition is demanding the immediate payment of all outstanding BVN-related funds allegedly owed to affected beneficiaries.
The issue of beneficiary verification and payment difficulties has featured prominently in previous complaints by sections of the PAP community.
- Increase In Monthly Stipends
The ex-agitators are demanding an upward review of their monthly stipends, arguing that the current payment structure requires urgent reconsideration.
The coalition maintains that beneficiaries’ welfare concerns deserve serious attention from the programme’s management and the Federal Government.
- Settlement Of Outstanding Arrears
The coalition is calling for the payment of all pending arrears allegedly owed to beneficiaries across the three phases.
It is demanding that the relevant authorities examine the outstanding payment records and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive their entitlements.
- Restoration Of Disputed Camp Slots
Another major demand concerns the recovery and restoration of slots allegedly withheld, withdrawn or taken by the Amnesty Office over the years.
The coalition is seeking a review of the disputed slots and the restoration of those it believes were wrongfully affected.
The coalition has also called for the resolution of other outstanding benefits and entitlements.
The precise number of affected beneficiaries, the total amount of outstanding claims and the number of disputed slots have not been independently established by Tarakirivoice Newspaper.
OTUARO AND PAP MANAGEMENT FACE RENEWED QUESTIONS
The unfolding situation has renewed attention on the administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under its Administrator, Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro.
The coalition’s grievances raise questions about the programme’s procedures for addressing beneficiary complaints, reconciling payment records, reviewing disputed slots and resolving outstanding entitlements.
While the DSS engagement could provide an opportunity for the coalition to formally present its concerns, the responsibility for addressing programme-related administrative and financial complaints may also require the involvement of PAP management and other relevant government authorities.
The coalition’s demands have not been confirmed as settled, and the latest announcement does not indicate that the PAP management has agreed to a specific payment timetable or stipend increase.
The unfolding development therefore places renewed pressure on the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the outstanding issues.
For affected beneficiaries, the central concern remains whether the proposed dialogue will produce concrete solutions rather than another round of engagements without measurable progress.
WILL THE DSS MEETING PRODUCE A BREAKTHROUGH?
The November 3 meeting is expected to be closely watched by members of the ex-agitator community and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
The engagement presents an opportunity for the coalition to formally communicate its grievances and for the authorities to clarify the appropriate channels for addressing the complaints.
Several questions remain unanswered:
- Will the DSS dialogue lead to concrete commitments on outstanding PAP entitlements?
- Will PAP management be required to address the coalition’s allegations?
- Will affected beneficiaries receive a clear timeline for the settlement of outstanding BVN-related funds and arrears?
- Will disputed camp slots be reviewed and restored where appropriate?
- Will the coalition suspend, proceed with or modify its planned peaceful protest following the meeting?
The answers to these questions could determine the next phase of the coalition’s agitation.
COALITION REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PEACE
Despite the unresolved issues, the coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, dialogue and constructive engagement.
Its leadership maintains that the objective of the planned protest is to demand justice, accountability and the fulfilment of outstanding entitlements.
The coalition insists that its grievances deserve urgent attention and that beneficiaries should not be left without clear answers concerning their welfare and benefits.
The decision to await the DSS meeting suggests that the leadership is willing to explore dialogue before making a final decision on the planned demonstration.
However, the coalition has not indicated that its demands have been withdrawn.
TARAKIRIVOICE MONITORS DEVELOPMENTS
The arrival of the Coalition of Ex-Agitators in Abuja and the proposed DSS dialogue represent a new chapter in the ongoing controversy surrounding outstanding Presidential Amnesty Programme entitlements.
With members already in the Federal Capital Territory and the DSS meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, attention has shifted to whether the engagement will produce meaningful progress.
For now, the coalition’s position remains clear: its demands are unresolved, its members are in Abuja, and the final decision on the planned peaceful protest will depend on the outcome of the dialogue.
Tarakirivoice Newspaper will continue to monitor the developments, including the outcome of the DSS meeting and any subsequent decision by the coalition.
THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: WE WANT JUSTICE, WE WANT OUR ENTITLEMENTS, AND WE WANT A LASTING SOLUTION!
Editorial Note: This report is based on the coalition’s circulated announcement and previously reported communications. Claims concerning outstanding entitlements, BVN-related funds and disputed slots are attributed to the coalition and have not all been independently verified. Tarakirivoice Newspaper has not independently confirmed the official designation of the DSS contact person or obtained a formal DSS response. The coalition has not announced that its planned protest has been cancelled.
