The Leader of the Niger Delta Liberation Force, NDLF, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, a.k.a. Egberipapa, has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking urgent intervention to integrate Egberipapa Camp into the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, and to ensure transparency in the management of the programme.
In the petition submitted to the State House this week, Jackrichsaid more than 4,000 former agitators under Egberipapa Camp have remained excluded from PAP since 2009, despite a 2021 resolution of the Senate directing their integration and the allocation of 2,000 slots to the Camp.
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“This matter has remained unresolved for many years despite repeated representations, legislative proceedings, public hearings and resolutions of the National Assembly,” Jackrich stated in the petition. “The central grievance is the continued exclusion of Egberipapa Camp from the appropriate integration and allocation framework of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.”
Senate Resolutions Still Outstanding:
The NDLF leader recalled that on 13 April 2021, he submitted a petition to the 9th Senate through the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. Following public hearings, the Committee made recommendations for the integration of Egberipapa Camp and, in a letter dated 8 June 2021, requested the then Interim Administrator of PAP to account for programme funds and slot allocations.
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“Despite the passage of time and repeated representations, the substantive relief sought by Egberipapa Camp has not, to date, been implemented,” he said. “The continued non-resolution has created a profound sense of injustice among the affected former agitators and their families.”
Security Warning:
Jackrich warned that prolonged delay could have serious consequences for peace in the Niger Delta.
“For many years, the affected persons have pursued their grievances through lawful and peaceful channels. However, the prolonged delay has caused considerable frustration,” he stated.
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“I am increasingly concerned that, if the matter remains unresolved, some aggrieved persons may become tempted to resort to self-help. I make this statement not as a threat, but as a sincere warning about the consequences of allowing a longstanding grievance involving a large number of young people in an oil-producing region to remain unresolved indefinitely.”
He urged President Tinubu to treat the petition as “an opportunity for preventive intervention” to “restore confidence in the Amnesty process and demonstrate that legitimate grievances can be resolved through lawful institutions.”
Demand for Transparency and Audit:
In addition to his camp’s integration, Jackrich called for a comprehensive and independent review of PAP.
He requested clarity on the criteria for slot allocation, the number of slots approved annually since 2009, allocations to each camp, and the basis for the exclusion of some groups.
He also demanded an independent forensic and performance audit of PAP from inception to date, covering appropriations, releases, expenditure, procurement, beneficiary records and compliance with public finance laws.
“The Presidential Amnesty Programme is funded from public resources appropriated by the National Assembly. Accordingly, the Programme must remain subject to the principles of accountability, transparency, probity and proper stewardship of public funds,” he said.
“If the Programme has been properly managed, such an audit would provide an opportunity to establish that fact conclusively. If deficiencies are identified, the appropriate authorities can take corrective action.”
Eight-Point Prayers to the President:
In his prayers, Jackrich asked President Tinubu to:
1. Direct PAP to urgently implement the Senate resolution on the integration of Egberipapa Camp and allocation of 2,000 slots;
2. Verify the status of affected former agitators for lawful integration;
3. Produce records of historical slot allocation among camps;
4. Order an independent audit of PAP finances from inception;
5. Examine why previous Senate resolutions remain outstanding;
6. Direct the National Security Adviser to engage stakeholders to prevent escalation;
7. Establish a time-bound mechanism for resolution; and
8. Take further steps to ensure grievances are resolved fairly and transparently.
“Your Excellency’s intervention at this moment would send a powerful message that the Federal Government listens to legitimate grievances and remains committed to peace and justice in the Niger Delta,” he concluded.
Jackrich also commended the Tinubu administration for efforts to improve crude oil production and sustain intervention programmes in the Niger Delta, stressing that his approach remains peaceful and constitutional.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established in 2009 to disarm, rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-agitators in the Niger Delta.
Signed:
High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, a.k.a. Egberipapa
Leader, Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF)
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