“GEJ Walked Into Militants’ Camp Unarmed”: Dakolo Revives Forgotten Niger Delta Peace Story
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA — Environmental and Niger Delta advocate Bubaraye Dakolo has praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for what he described as “game-changing contributions” to peace, development and economic inclusion in the Niger Delta through the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act.
In a reflective piece titled “GEJ’S Game Changing Contributions,” Dakolo recounted attending the recent event, “Through the Python’s Eyes: 70 Years of Oil and Gas Production in Nigeria,” held at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Tower in Yenagoa to commemorate seven decades of crude oil production in Nigeria.
According to Dakolo, one of the defining moments of the event was Jonathan’s narration of his role, while serving as Nigeria’s Vice President, in engaging Niger Delta militants during the height of unrest in the region.
He said the former President revealed that, despite security concerns, he travelled into the creeks of Ijaw land to hold direct discussions with youths at the then-renowned Camp One. Dakolo noted that Jonathan explained the meeting eventually paved the way for the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Dakolo also highlighted Jonathan’s role as President in signing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, describing the legislation as a landmark policy that expanded participation for Nigerians—particularly people from the oil-producing Niger Delta—in the country’s oil and gas industry.
According to him, the combined impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the local content law has created educational opportunities through local and international scholarships, increased employment, and supported the growth of indigenous businesses in the energy sector.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Dakolo said sitting inside the 17-storey NCDMB Tower—an institution he associated with Jonathan’s policy legacy—while listening to the former President recount his journey was a deeply humbling experience.
He further recalled Jonathan’s widely quoted 2015 statement, “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” saying it reflected the former President’s commitment to peace and democratic values.
Dakolo concluded by urging Nigerians to embrace humility, support one another, and recognise leadership that promotes peace and development.
He ended his tribute by describing Jonathan as an enduring symbol of democracy whose influence, in his opinion, continues to grow both within Nigeria and internationally.
