Against the backdrop of what it referred to as "mischievous protests" in the United States and the United Kingdom aimed at allegedly spreading false allegations against some Niger Delta leaders, an activist group, the Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI, has tasked the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Adeola Ajayi, to take immediate action against such sponsors.

The group in a statement released by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, alleged that disgruntled individuals eyeing the seat of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, and potential oil thieves responsible for destruction of oil pipelines are spreading falsehood against High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the PAP; High Chief Dr. Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, and High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi, the Chairman and the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, respectively.

The IPDI expressed its concerns over the negative impact the false claims could have on the reputation and integrity of the involved individuals and the wider Niger Delta region if not timely checked, and emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for disseminating "these baseless allegations" and to ensure that "appropriate legal measures are taken against them," it stated.

Ozobo emphasised the importance of protecting public figures such as Otuaro, Tompolo and Pondi from detrimental falsehoods that can undermine their leadership and cause unwarranted division within the Niger Delta region.

While he expressed the commitment of the group to upholding the truth and advocating for justice in the face of fabricated narratives against Ijaw people and Niger Delta, Ozobo highlighted that Otuaro has done well as Administrator of the PAP in just one year in office, adding that every well-meaning leader, stakeholder and youth should give him total support to do more for the Niger Delta and ex-agitators

The group said Otuaro's appointment has greatly contributed to the current peace enjoyed by his (Tinubu) administration, noting that Otuaro did well to calm tension in the Niger Delta especially during the #endbadgovernance protests and in the face of the ongoing provocation regarding the Rivers political crisis.

According to the IPDI, Otuaro's appointment as PAP Administrator was a square peg in a square hole and was celebrated by all in the Niger Delta, stressing that Otuaro has kept his promises and implemented great reforms in the amnesty programme.

On Tompolo and Pondi, the IPDI stated that they are great leaders that have empowered thousands of youths, stakeholders and women, and as such they need to be appreciated for their good leadership strides.

Ozobo further stressed that Tompolo and Pondi have helped to restore the once bastardised Niger Delta environment, stopped the once prevailing menace of oil theft and boost the country's oil production to over two million barrels per day.

The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to "ignore falsehoods peddled against these great men", adding that conquered oil thieves and those who lost out for the race for the Administrator of the PAP are spreading falsehood against the trio leaders.

IPDI further urged the IGP and the DSS to swing into action without further delay in bringing to justice those peddling unfounded allegations against Otuaro, Tompolo and Pondi to serve as a deterrent to others.

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