‘Gbaramatu Affair’: Itsekiri Ex-Agitators Expose Alleged PAP Power Grab— Insist on 21-Day Ultimatum
By Paul Ebi
The Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality Ex-Agitators Forum has strongly rejected claims by the National Chairman of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase 2, Ibena Rufus Salvation, that the group is “unrecognized,” describing the assertion as misleading, ignorant and deliberately designed to shield the current PAP administration from scrutiny.
In a press statement released on Friday, the forum said it has existed since 2009 and has maintained cordial working relationships with previous PAP administrators. The group insisted it is made up of bona fide beneficiaries duly captured in the official PAP database, with verifiable Unique Identification Codes (UNCODES) to back its claims.
According to the forum, the denial of its status is part of a broader agenda to marginalize Itsekiri beneficiaries and concentrate PAP opportunities within a narrow clique. It alleged that the amnesty programme is being gradually transformed into what it described as a “Gbaramatu affair,” contrary to the original intent of the initiative, which was designed to serve all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.
“The PAP was never meant to be a sectional empowerment scheme,” the statement said, warning that selective implementation undermines trust and regional stability.
The group challenged the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, to an open and transparent engagement, stating it is prepared to present evidence showing the systematic exclusion of Itsekiri beneficiaries from educational placements, vocational training and empowerment opportunities.
“If the administrator is truly committed to transparency, he must confront these discrepancies with facts, not hide behind proxies who label legitimate stakeholders as ‘unrecognized,’” the forum stated.
Reiterating its earlier stance, the Itsekiri Ex-Agitators Forum confirmed that its 21-day ultimatum to the federal authorities remains in force. While emphasizing that it has maintained peace in its territories, the group warned that continued denial of its entitlements could have consequences for the stability of oil-producing areas.
Quoting the adage, “A stitch in time saves nine,” the forum urged the Presidency and security agencies to intervene swiftly, warning that unresolved grievances could jeopardize the relative peace in the region.
The statement was signed by Comrade Dennis Mene, Leader and Coordinator of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality Ex-Agitators Forum, who stressed that members of the group are not “ghosts” but individuals who surrendered arms for the peace of the nation and deserve recognition and benefits under the amnesty programme.
