News
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 Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.