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Former Niger Delta warlord, HRM (Dr.) Godday Smith, popularly known as Bounanaowei (King of the Forest), has advised ex-agitators under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to refrain from participating in the nationwide protest slated for October 1. Dr. Smith made this appeal during an interactive session held in Warri, Delta State, organized by the PAP office.
Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of peace in the region, highlighting that development can only flourish in a stable environment. “Development thrives in peaceful areas, while chaos hampers it,” he said, urging ex-agitators to honor their agreement with the federal government by prioritizing peace for the growth of the Niger Delta.
Additionally, Dr. Smith called on PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, to review and increase the monthly stipends of ex-agitators, considering the rising cost of living. He argued that the current payments are insufficient given the present economic challenges. He also advocated for fairness in ensuring that all ex-agitators, particularly those disarmed during the disarmament process but yet to benefit, are included in the program.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established to reintegrate former militants into society through vocational training and empowerment, helping them transition into entrepreneurs or employable citizens. Since its inception, the program has disarmed over 29,000 ex-militants and offers scholarships to build human capacity in the Niger Delta region.
