Itsekiri/Ijaw Face-off: Group Replies Reyeniju, Says Statement Misleading, Distortion of Historical Facts

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

A Coalition of Niger Delta youths and stakeholders, has rejected claims by an Itsekiri leader, Daniel Reyeneiju, who claimed that the ‘Itsekiris are under siege’ and that Amnesty Programme has been turned into a weapon of bias.

The Convener of the coalition and Chairman, Board of Trustees Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), Apst. Bodmas Kemepadei, said the statements laced with ethnic undertones, are not only misleading but a deliberate distortion of historical facts.

He said contrary to Reyeneiju claims, the Itsekiris openly rejected the Amnesty offer when the Federal Government first declared amnesty during the disarmament stage.

Kemapadei reiterated that the Itsekiris also boldly declared that they had no issues with the Federal Government, that their areas were peaceful and that they were comfortable with the International Oil Companies operating in their communities.

While also insisting that they were not militants and were not disenfranchised in any way, he said the Itsekiris insisted they would not accept amnesty.

Reyeneiju has in post on social media, claimed that the Itsekiris were under siege and that the Amnesty Programme had been turned into a weapon of bias.

He went further to allege that this so-called bias predates Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s appointment and then threw the insinuating question of whether Dr. Otuaro will be complicit in sustaining it or dismantle what he termed an “engine of injustice.”

The group in its reaction stated, “Frankly, history cannot be edited to suit propaganda; the truth will always stand. The Itsekiris themselves rejected amnesty at inception. No amount of propaganda can erase that fact. What the region needs now is support for Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, not revisionist campaigns.

“When the Federal Government first declared amnesty during the disarmament stage, the Itsekiris openly rejected the offer. They boldly declared that they had no issues with the Federal Government, that their areas were peaceful, that they were comfortable with the International Oil Companies operating in their communities, and that they were not disenfranchised in any way. They insisted they were not militants and therefore would not accept amnesty.

“At that time, the Itsekiris even celebrated the Federal Government’s decision to disarm the Ijaw people; whom they accused of using weapons against them. They maintained that they would not accept amnesty, branding it as something meant for “criminals,” and vowed to use what they had to defend themselves.

“Fast forward to 2013, after the demobilization process was completed, the same Itsekiris returned to demand inclusion. Their request was tabled before the National Assembly. After deliberations, the Assembly made it clear that nothing could be done since the window had long closed. Nonetheless, in the spirit of fairness, they were granted 500 educational slots as compensation. Many Itsekiri students benefitted from these opportunities, and some have even been employed through the Programme.”

The group added that it was therefore deeply misleading for Reyeneiju, to now turn around and weaponize propaganda against Dr. Otuaro.

Kemapadei said the letter he now flaunts was nothing more than an appeal for inclusion after the process had ended, adding that twisting history into a narrative of bias is not only dishonest but also divisive.

“The truth is clear: Dr. Dennis Otuaro has injected credibility, transparency, and fairness into the Amnesty Programme. He is committed to unity across the Niger Delta and will not be cajoled or blackmailed by Daniel or any ethnic group bent on playing tribal cards. His focus remains on strengthening the Programme for peace, rehabilitation, and opportunity across all ethnic nationalities.”