The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI, has strongly condemned a recent video purportedly made by one Jude Gbaboyor, who is alleged to be an apologist of an ex-agitator Ben Ebikabowei alias Boyloaf, describing the action as a desperate attempt to seek cheap fame by maligning reputable individuals.

The IPDI's response is coming on the heels of an online video wherein the said Gbaboyor accused the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, of revealing a sensitive document that allegedly saved former President Goodluck Jonathan. The video also attempted to discredit High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, a highly respected advocate for the freedom of Niger Delta region.

The IPDI's strong warning was contained in a statement signed by its national secretary, Comrade Peter Luke, and Board of Trustee chairman, Cletus Itari, where a copy was sent to newsmen on Wednesday, September 2, 2024.

The group emphasised that Dr. Otuaro has no connection to the purported document and that these accusations were merely a smear campaign.

It said, "Gbaboyor's malicious campaign will only tarnish his boss Boyloaf's reputation. His divisive propaganda will ultimately backfire. It's misguided to accuse Dr. Otuaro of being involved in a document he knew nothing about. Instead, Gbaboyor should direct his concerns to the DSS or previous amnesty programme administrators who might have valuable insights.

"It's shameful that while others celebrate Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro's appointment as an Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Gbaboyor and his paymaster continue to plot against their own brother for selfish gains.

"This destructive behavior is not only shameful but it exposes the evil intentions of Gbaboyor and his boss towards Dr. Otuaro.

"Dr. Otuaro is a distinguished leader in the Niger Delta struggle, and it's shameful for Gbaboyor to suggest otherwise. His actions expose a secret agenda to tarnish the reputation of Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo.", the group reiterated.

Speaking further, IPDI added, "We will not tolerate reckless misinformation and character assassination. We stand solidly behind Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, who have tirelessly worked for the betterment of our people.

"The accusation is baseless and unfounded, you don't accuse someone of what he doesn't know just because you merely saw Otuaro's photos in the DM of the person who posted the alleged document. 

"We want to outrightly let Gbaboyor know that Otuaro was a key player in the Niger Delta struggle, and it is only a poor student of history that will erroneously say that Otuaro is enjoying the efforts of Boyloaf. This is shameful and childish," it concluded.

The IPDI urged the mischievous Gbaboyor to refrain from spreading falsehoods and to focus on constructive contributions to unite Ijaw leaders rather than divisive ploys, and strongly emphasised that Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo remain unfazed by these baseless accusations.

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