By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: A coalition of ex-agitators from the Niger Delta staged a peaceful rally in Warri, Delta State, on Monday, urging the United Nations (UN) to disregard a recent protest in New York targeting Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and other regional leaders.
The ex-agitators described the protest as a smear campaign orchestrated by crude oil cabals resisting the fight against oil theft. Leaders from Amnesty Phases 1, 2, and 3 were among those present at the rally, where they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting peace and development in the Niger Delta.
Addressing the rally, ‘General’ Emma Satu, leader of the Niger Delta Water Force, criticised the protest led by Jude Gbaboyor in New York.
“The protest was a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of patriotic leaders like Tompolo, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and Chief Keston Pondi. These baseless allegations are part of a larger ploy by oil cabals to sabotage the progress made in combating crude oil theft,” Satu said.
The group lauded Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services for its efforts in reducing oil theft, securing pipelines, and creating jobs for youths in the region. They also commended Dr. Otuaro’s leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, highlighting the positive impact of his tenure, even within a short period.
“We will not allow selfish individuals to destabilise the Niger Delta or tarnish the image of our leaders. Enough is enough,” Satu declared.
The ex-agitators called on the Federal Government, state governors, and international organisations to disregard the protest and hold accountable those undermining efforts to sustain peace in the region.
“The current peace in the Niger Delta is invaluable, and we urge all stakeholders to unite against these cabals,” Satu added.
Other prominent leaders at the rally included ‘General’ Asawana Lucky, ‘General’ Kurata Akassa, Comrade Ebide Brown, ‘General’ Alhaji Lotugbene, and Comrade Douglas Otokolo, among others.