By Sunday Apah
General Ken Ben, a prominent leader within Phase 3 of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has issued a strong rebuke against a recent publication that targeted both the current PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and the National President of the First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders Forum, General Aroni Oputu (popularly known as General Aroni).
The condemnation addresses what Ben describes as a malicious and unfounded attack.
The catalyst for this strong response was a controversial report by a coalition that accused Dr. Otuaro of undermining the Niger Delta liberation struggle.
This group specifically alleged that Oputu, whom they controversially labeled a “notorious armed robber,” had been inappropriately appointed to represent Phase One ex-agitators, questioning his legitimacy and character.
However, General Ken Ben swiftly dismissed the publication, characterizing it as a “baseless blackmail attempt.” He asserted that the report was orchestrated by “enemies of progress” whose primary aim was to tarnish hard-earned reputations and to artificially ignite conflict between General Aroni and his relative, Pastor Ruben, who is also involved in the amnesty program.
Ben robustly defended General Aroni’s background and credentials, emphasizing his widely recognized status as a front-line freedom fighter.
He confirmed that Aroni legitimately surrendered his arms in 2009 as part of the ‘Underdog Camp 2’ in Warri North Local Government Area. General Ken Ben openly challenged any detractors to verify these records directly with the Presidential Amnesty Office, underscoring the transparency of Aroni’s participation.
Furthermore, Ken Ben highlighted General Aroni’s extensive and distinguished service in public office. He noted that Aroni currently holds the position of Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Security to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
This appointment follows a consistent track record of service under three consecutive state administrations. In 2010, Aroni was appointed to the Delta State Waterways Security Committee under Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
During Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s first term, he served on the Waterways and Land Security Committee, and was subsequently elevated to Special Assistant (SA) on Security during Okowa’s second term.
“Are these detractors, purportedly led by Tare Deseimoham, suggesting that three successive governors lacked proper judgment?” Ken Ben questioned rhetorically.
He powerfully argued that an individual with a genuine criminal record would never have been able to secure, let alone maintain, such sensitive security clearances and appointments across multiple administrations, indicating a clear vetting process.
Ben further underscored Aroni’s standing within his community, stating, “If General Aroni Oputu were not a responsible and capable leader, he would not have been honored with a prestigious chieftaincy title in Egbema Kingdom.”
He clarified that Aroni’s leadership mandate as the National President of the First Phase Ex-Agitators’ Leaders Forum was not an arbitrary imposition by Dr. Otuaro but rather the result of a democratic election by his peers.
He urged the public to disregard the “propaganda,” attributing it to individuals envious of the stability and progress fostered under the current PAP leadership.
Regarding Pastor Ruben, Ken Ben acknowledged that his background and entry into the amnesty programme are well-established within the local community.
While critics have attempted to portray Ruben as the “first president” of Phase One to suggest he was the sole combatant, Ken Ben clarified that Ruben, like other participants, surrendered his arms as part of the program.
“I know Pastor Ruben did not authorize these anonymous individuals to circulate such falsehoods,” Ken Ben added, asserting that the publication was a “desperate attempt by external agents to create animosity between General Aroni and his brother from Bayelsa.”
General Ken Ben concluded his remarks by characterizing those behind the “blackmail” as “cowards” who are intimidated by the positive advancements and transformation occurring under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
He provocatively suggested that “rather than questioning the records of General Aroni Oputu, I recommend that these detractors have their own brains checked, or be recommended to their respective state governors for immediate admission into a rehabilitation centre.”
He firmly reiterated that “the records of Aroni Oputu are clean, his camp is verifiable, and his service to the Niger Delta is unshakeable.”
