RismadarVoice Reporters
February 7, 2026
Ex-Niger Delta agitators have threatened to shut down oil facilities across the region in the coming days over alleged marginalization, lack of transparency, unfair treatment within the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
The former militants, operating under the banner of the Marginalized Original First-Phase Leaders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, also called on the Federal Government to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of the scheme, alleging widespread exclusion and favouritism.
In a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the group accused the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, of sidelining those who initially embraced the amnesty deal in 2009 in the interest of peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta.
However, the Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Igoniko Oduma, dismissed the allegations, insisting that no beneficiary had been marginalized.
“Let me say it clearly, nobody is marginalized,” Oduma said.
The petition, signed by Excel Toriomo, Pius Wariyai, and Ideye Granville, stated that the aggrieved ex-agitators had resolved to stage a protest in Abuja and would proceed to shut down oil facilities if their demands were ignored.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, the group said it had formally notified the Federal Capital Territory Police Command of its intention to protest, stressing that the move was to avoid a relapse into violence in the Niger Delta.
“We, the Marginalized Original First-Phase Leaders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, humbly appeal to Your Excellency to intervene in the persistent marginalization and exclusion,” the group said.
According to them, their calls for transparency, accountability, and fairness had resulted in victimization and denial of their rightful place within the programme.
“Our advocacy for transparency, accountability, and fairness has led to victimization and exclusion. We demand an end to marginalization. Our struggle is rooted in the Niger Delta’s quest for peace and development,” the group said.
They also complained that their monthly stipend of N65,000 has remained unchanged since 2009, describing it as inadequate to meet basic living needs. The ex-agitators further alleged that they had been excluded from decision-making processes, training opportunities, and key programme activities.
“We surrendered our arms in 2009, embraced peace in line with the Constitution. Our advocacy is not an act of insubordination but a call for accountability,” they added.
The threat raises concerns over renewed tension in the oil-rich Niger Delta, a region critical to Nigeria’s oil production and economic stability.
