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The Chairman of the First Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, HRH Henry Binidodogha has asked the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku to play the role of a leader by uniting all ex-agitators instead of trying to divide their ranks.

He stated while distancing himself from a publication claiming that he signed a statement in favour of Ogbuku.

Binidodogha, who is a traditional ruler, explained that he did not authorise his name to be used in the said statement, which tried to counter the opinion of the Coalition of ex-agitators in Niger Delta on the continuation of Ogbuku-led management team despite the dissolution of the NDDC board.

According to Binidodogha, “As a royal father, I shouldn’t be caught in the web of arguments and counter arguments. That will not be of any benefit to the people of Niger Delta region”.

“It’s very wrong for the MD of NDDC to allow his media aides to use the name of ex-agitators’ leaders to make publications without the approval or consent of the leaders themselves,” he continued.

He added, “There is a platform called ex-agitators leadership forum where I am in charge as the chairman, and there is a group called coalition of ex-agitators in Niger Delta and several other groups.

“My responsibility as the chairman of the First Phase of the Presidential amnesty programme is to bring all aggrieved groups together at every point in time to achieve peace and development in the region.

“I am, therefore, calling on the MD of NDDC, Mr. Sam Ogbuku to play the role of a leader, rather than divide and rule tactics in order to avoid a breakdown of law and order in the region.

“As the chairman of the first phase of the presidential amnesty programme, if given the opportunity, I can reach out to the Coalition of ex-agitators in Niger Delta as a spiritual father, traditional ruler and leader with full capacity to address all issues that can attract peace and development in the region.

“My advice is that we should endeavour to stick to truth and honesty in all that we do. We should be focused at all times. There is no need for bad blood.

“Together we will get to the pinnacle. We should avoid unnecessary distractions that are gradually popping up. It will do no one any good. It can only set us back, and that’s not beneficial for our region.”