A group, the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) has strongly condemned a recent video posted by one Jude Gbaboyor, an alleged associate of ex-freedom fighter Ben Ebikabowei, alias Boyloaf.
According to the IPDI, the video accused Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), of revealing a sensitive document that allegedly saved former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The group asserted that the video also attempted to discredit renowned Niger Delta freedom fighter, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo.
In a statement signed by its national secretary, Comrade Peter Luke, and BoT Chairman, Cletus Itari, on Wednesday, the IPDI described Gbaboyor’s actions as a desperate pursuit to seek crummy fame by maligning reputable individuals.
The group maintained that Otuaro has no connection to the purported document and that the accusations are merely ideas to smear the image of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and discredit his peoples oriented conduct.
“Gbaboyor’s malicious campaign will only tarnish his boss Boyloaf’s reputation. His divisive propaganda will ultimately backfire. It’s misguided to accuse Dr. Otuaro of being involved in a document he knew nothing about.
“Instead, Gbaboyor should direct his concerns to the DSS or previous amnesty program administrators who might have valuable insights.
“It’s shameful that while others celebrate Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s appointment as an administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Gbaboyor and his paymaster continue to plot against their own brother for selfish gains.
“This destructive behaviour is not only shameful, but it exposes the evil intentions of Gbaboyor and his boss towards Dr. Otuaro.
“Dr. Otuaro is a distinguished leader in the Niger Delta struggle, and it’s shameful for Gbaboyor to suggest otherwise,” the IPDI stated.
The group reiterated that his actions expose an alleged secret agenda to tarnish the reputation of both Otuaro and Tompolo.
IPDI declared that it will not tolerate reckless misinformation and character assassination against the duo.
According to the statement, “We stand solidly behind Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, who have tirelessly worked for the betterment of our people.”
“The accusation is baseless and unfounded. You don’t accuse someone of something he doesn’t know about just because you merely saw Otuaro’s photos in the DM of the person who posted the alleged document.
“We want to outrightly let Gbaboyor know that Otuaro was a key player in the Niger Delta struggle, and it is only a poor student of history who would erroneously claim that Otuaro is enjoying the efforts of Boyloaf. This is shameful and childish.’
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While advising Gbaboyor to refrain from spreading falsehoods and focus on constructive contributions to unite Ijaw leaders rather than divisive ploys, IPDI noted that Otuaro and Tompolo remain unfazed by the accusations.
