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The Emergence of Gen. Godstime Ogidigba, as the National Leader of PAP Phase 3 is Sign of Better Things to Come
By Wilson Macaulay,
The Niger Delta is once again at the crossroads of history. The emergence of General Godstime Ogidigba as the newly elected National Leader of the Third Phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) is not just the result of a democratic process within the ex-agitator community—it is a defining political and ceremonial milestone that could reshape the trajectory of the programme and the region at large.
Leadership, Legitimacy, and the Politics of Alignment
At the heart of this development lies a deeper political message: legitimacy. For years, PAP Phase 3 has been a contested space where leadership disputes, fractured loyalties, and gaps in empowerment created disillusionment among its members. By winning a transparent election in Benin City, Edo State, Gen. Ogidigba did not only secure a mandate from his peers, he earned political credibility that policymakers in Abuja and stakeholders across the Niger Delta cannot ignore.
His emergence also aligns seamlessly with the reformist agenda of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the current Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This alignment is politically strategic. It means that for the first time in years, the leadership of PAP Phase 3 is positioned to collaborate rather than clash with the central administration of the programme. For policymakers, this creates a platform for coordinated interventions, accountability structures, and the elimination of duplicative efforts that have weakened past initiatives.
Symbolism of the Inauguration
The inauguration slated for September 16, 2025, at Ekenwan Road, Benin City, Edo State at 9 a.m., is more than a formal transfer of authority. It is a symbolic consecration of a new era. Ceremonially, it will mark the passing of the baton from the outgoing leadership of Mr. Elaye Slabor, who will officially hand over documents and notes of transition to the Ogidigba-led team. Politically, however, it represents the consolidation of peace dividends, the validation of participatory leadership, and a reaffirmation of the federal government’s continued investment in post-conflict stabilization in the Niger Delta.
In moments like these, ceremonies matter. They legitimize transitions, inspire confidence, and create public momentum. For Gen. Ogidigba and his cabinet, the event will be a stage to showcase unity, outline a forward-looking agenda, and send a clear signal to Abuja, the oil multinationals, and Niger Delta stakeholders that Phase 3 is ready to reposition itself as a credible partner in the region’s socio-economic transformation.
Stakeholders and Strategic Gratitude
Gen. Ogidigba’s immediate gesture of gratitude to Governor Monday Okpeholo of Edo State, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, and High Chief Kestin Pondi, among others, is not mere courtesy. It is political wisdom. By acknowledging both state actors and non-state influencers, Ogidigba has demonstrated that he understands the delicate balance of power in the Niger Delta—a region where political authority and grassroots legitimacy must co-exist.
For Abuja policymakers, this signals a readiness to govern inclusively, which is critical for stability. For regional stakeholders, it sends a message that the new leadership is neither insular nor confrontational but prepared to work collaboratively in advancing the objectives of peace and empowerment.
Why This Emergence is a Turning Point
PAP Phase 3 has often been dismissed as a fragmented arm of the programme, overshadowed by earlier phases. Yet, it also represents a significant constituency of youths whose futures are tied to the success of the amnesty initiative. By electing Gen. Ogidigba, this constituency has chosen a leader with the credibility to transform internal discontent into constructive dialogue and development-oriented action.
The implications are significant:
For Abuja: a stable Phase 3 leadership strengthens the overall architecture of the PAP and minimizes the risk of unrest.
For Niger Delta governors: it offers a structured channel to engage ex-agitators in collaborative development projects.
For oil multinationals: it creates a more predictable environment for community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
For local communities: it revives hope that PAP will finally translate into tangible empowerment and livelihood opportunities.
A Call to Action
The September 16 inauguration is therefore not just an invitation to attend a ceremony—it is a clarion call to policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and the ex-agitators themselves to recommit to the ideals of peace and development. The presence of critical stakeholders at the event will serve as both endorsement and encouragement for the new leadership.
Conclusion
The election and inauguration of General Godstime Ogidigba as National Leader of PAP Phase 3 stand as a sign of better things to come. It is a moment thick with political meaning, ceremonial gravity, and developmental promise.
If the new leadership seizes this opportunity with vision, accountability, and inclusivity, then the Third Phase will no longer be seen as the “forgotten child” of the Amnesty Programme but as the engine room of its future relevance. For the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large, that would be a victory worth celebrating.
Wilson Macaulay is a Journalist and a Public Affairs Commentator
By: Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
News
Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.