Yenagoa, Bayelsa State | August 16, 2026 —
The Immediate Past 1st Phase Chairman, Bayelsa State Chapter, Gen. Selete Walter, has called for an end to what he described as antagonisms against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, warning that internal divisions could undermine the collective interests of the Niger Delta. “When brothers fight, strangers inherit the house,” Gen. Walter said, urging Niger Delta stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue and due process.
Gen. Walter, in a statement issued in Yenagoa, also commended the current handling of the Presidential Amnesty Programme scholarship scheme, particularly the reported review of the scholarship register, describing the process as a responsible step towards transparency, fairness and proper accountability.
He said the PAP continues to fulfil its mandate of empowering Niger Delta youths and commended the administration for its efforts to ensure that beneficiaries are properly captured and fairly treated.
Reacting to reports that the PAP administration under Dr. Dennis Otuaro is reviewing the scholarship register, Gen. Walter described the move as a commendable step towards ensuring that genuine beneficiaries are protected.
“It is reassuring to see an administration that takes verification seriously. These students have gone through screening and documentation, and a thorough review process shows that the Otuaro administration is committed to getting it right for every beneficiary. This is the kind of diligence our children deserve,” Gen. Walter said.
On Tompolo and Tantita Security Services
Gen. Walter also addressed recent allegations concerning High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, expressing confidence in the company's continued contribution to the Niger Delta.
He called for calm and urged all parties to allow due process to run its course.
“Tantita has done significant work securing our pipelines and creating jobs for our youths. Its contribution to peace and stability in the Niger Delta cannot be overstated. We trust that due process will establish the facts and that the contributions of the company to the Niger Delta will be assessed fairly and objectively,” he said.
Call for Unity and Youth Inclusion
Gen. Walter commended leaders of the Niger Delta for their continued efforts to ensure that empowerment programmes, jobs and contracts reach genuine stakeholders across the creeks.
“Our people are seeing real progress. We are grateful for the jobs, the scholarships and the peace we now enjoy. Leaders must be commended for remembering that ‘Ukodo wey you contribute, na you get right to ask for your part’ [whatever pot you contribute to, you have the right to ask for your share]. The youths contributed to peace, and they are rightly receiving their share,” he stated.
He appealed to Niger Delta stakeholders to avoid internal conflicts that could weaken the region's collective bargaining position and undermine gains made through years of struggle for peace and development.
“When brothers fight, strangers inherit the house. We should therefore stop the antagonisms against Tompolo and Otuaro and focus on what unites us as a people. Our disagreements should not become an opportunity for outsiders to exploit our divisions,” Gen. Walter said.
He pledged that he and other ex-agitators would continue to support government policies that promote development, youth inclusion and genuine peace across the Niger Delta.
