Ex-agitators of Phase 3 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have pledged to collaborate with security agencies and other stakeholders to maintain the existing peace in the Niger Delta region.

The newly elected national executives of Phase 3 made the promise during their inauguration in Benin on Tuesday.

Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, national chairman of Phase 3, Gen. Godstime Ogidigba, promised that his executives and all members of Phase 3 would collaborate with Tantita Security Services Limited in the fight against oil theft, emphasising that the security outfit’s efforts have contributed to increased Nigeria’s oil production.

Ogidigba, who promised to unite the Phase 3 members, including aggrieved members, also promised to cooperate with the Administration of the PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, in ensuring that he carried out the good work he had started in the office.

Ogidigba, who described Otuaro as the best administrator who has piloted the affairs of the PAP, stated that Otuaro assumed office and reinstated several benefits that had been stopped for ex-agitators.

He said: “Otuaro assumed the Presidential Amnesty Office and reactivated many benefits for us. For instance, before he came, they had stopped training for ex-agitators aboard, but when he came on board, he revisited the programme, and our members have been going abroad for training.

“The most surprising programme Otuaro introduced is the empowerment programme for our women, which is the first time we have had this kind of programme. So, we have no reason not to cooperate with Otuaro with the significant change under his leadership.”

He added, “As ex-agitators, our loyalty is to Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, because what we are benefiting today is because of his steadfastness, persistence and consistency. And I want to make it clear that we are joining Tompolo’s door-to-door campaign to make sure Tinubu returns to the Villa.

“We are also poised to work with Tompolo’s Tantita Security outfit to protect our oil infrastructure from oil thieves.”

Earlier, Electoral Committee Chairman, Barr. Issu Festus, described the election as the most peaceful in the history of Phase 3, adding that, “They are mandated to pilot the affairs of the body for a good two years.”

National executives inaugurated to work with Ogidigba included: Gen. Dollar Gibson, Vice Chairman; Gen. Tonye Fred, Secretary; Gen. Godwin Governor, Assistant Secretary; Gen. Akpos Jericho, Treasurer; Oyin Bolowei, Publicity Secretary; Gen. Ben Ray, Spokesman; Gen. Francis Akpohoro, Public Relations Officer; Gen. Don Oney, Mobilisation Officer; Gen. Biboye Wilberforce, Abuja Coordinator, and Gen. Jokpa Emovon, Special Adviser. Phase 3 chairmen of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Ondo states were also inaugurated during the event.