…Calls for investigation into online attacks

By Tunde Oso

A former ex-militant leader and Phase 1 beneficiary of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), ‘General’ Lucky Ben, has criticised what he described as sustained online attacks and negative campaigns against the Administrator of the Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro.

Speaking on behalf of a group of former agitators in the Niger Delta, Ben urged the Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser, to look into the activities of individuals he claimed were behind repeated disparaging remarks against the PAP leadership.

In a statement made available to Vanguard over the weekend, Lucky Ben alleged that certain beneficiaries of the programme were engaging in persistent criticism and online harassment of Dr. Otuaro, which he said could undermine public confidence in the Amnesty Programme.

He described the situation as regrettable, warning that inflammatory narratives and divisive rhetoric could negatively affect peace and unity in the Niger Delta. According to him, disagreements over the administration of the programme should be addressed through constructive engagement rather than public attacks.

Ben further stated that previous coordinators of the Amnesty Programme had come from different Niger Delta states over the years and were broadly accepted by stakeholders at the time. He questioned why the current leadership had become a subject of controversy, urging stakeholders to avoid actions that could fuel internal divisions.

He also commended the current management of the Amnesty Programme, saying it had prioritised human capital development, including local and overseas educational support for beneficiaries. According to him, beneficiaries studying abroad are reportedly experiencing fewer challenges compared to previous years.

The former agitator appealed to Niger Delta youths and other stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and development in the region. He stressed the importance of unity and dialogue, adding that security agencies should investigate any activities capable of threatening public order or disrupting the objectives of the Amnesty Programme.

Ben concluded by calling on all concerned parties to exercise restraint and channel grievances through appropriate and lawful means in the interest of regional stability and national development.