The Nation Newspaper

Category: South East

Ebonyi lawmaker awards scholarship to 200 orphans, urges support for Tinubu

…distributes 5000 bags of fertilizer, other farm inputs to rural farmers

The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, commending the President’s performance in the past two years.

Ogah, who praised Tinubu’s leadership and ongoing reforms, expressed confidence that more impactful programmes would soon be unveiled to further transform the nation.

As part of his constituency empowerment initiatives, the lawmaker announced that he had awarded scholarships to over 200 orphans across the constituency, aimed at providing access to quality education and helping them realise their full potential.

He also revealed that through his Chinedu Ogah Foundation, he has paid the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) fees for over 2,000 students, including inmates in Ebonyi State correctional centres.

Ogah made these disclosures during the flag-off of an empowerment programme held at Blessed Martins College of Nursing Science, Ohatekwe Amagu, Ikwo LGA. The event featured the distribution of farming inputs, scholarship awards, and ceremonial payment of examination fees to beneficiaries.

The lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, emphasized that being incarcerated should not hinder personal growth. “Being a prison inmate should not be seen as a setback but an opportunity for reformation and preparation for the future,” he said.

He noted that the orphans were carefully selected from different indigents families in the 20 wards of Ikwo and 11 wards of Ezza South local government areas.

He explained that the scholarship covers their school fees, boarding fees, feeding and all other things they needed to excel in their education pursuit.

The Lawmaker maintained that he decided to distribute the fertilizers and other inputs to the farmers early enough so that they can make judicious use of the inputs adding that early distribution of farm inputs ensures yearly bumper harvest.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru for giving them the enablement to contribute their quota to the development and welfare of the masses adding that through their support, the National Assembly members have been able to reach the constituents.

He urged the people to continue to support the administration of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru adding that they have good plans for the people and called for patience, support and prayers.

Handling over the cheques to the management of WAEC, NECO and JAMB, the Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudlin Nwifuru commended Mr Ogah for his exemplary and people-focused representation in the National Assembly.

Mrs. Nwifuru who also described Ogah as a selfless and visionary leader said he has consistently demonstrated what it means to serve the people with integrity, compassion, and dedication.

Mrs. Nwifuru stated that her pet project, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and the Internally Displaced (BERWO) Foundation, which seeks to collaborate with the government and private sectors to combat violence against vulnerable individuals and enhance education and livelihoods in Ebonyi will continue to partner with Chinedu Ogah Foundation to give the girl child good education.

She urged the beneficiaries to ensure they make judicious use of the opportunity adding that coming from a indigent homes shouldn’t deter them from excelling in life.

The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, Stanley Okoro Emegha, lauded Mr Ogah for his consistency in empowering his people.

He noted that the party is closely watching all it’s members occupying different positions and noted that the party won’t hesitate to reward everyone according to his deeds.

The leadership of WAEC, NECO and JAMB in the State commended the lawmaker for the gesture. Ends

June 3, 2025
Focus on current challenges, not 2027, Kachikwu tells politicians

A public commentator, Dumebi Kachikwu, has urged politicians to tackle the present challenges facing the Nnation and stop focusing on 2027 politics.

He described the situation as a “tragic irony” at the heart of the nation’s struggles.

“We have been struck by the tragic irony of our economic situation today,” Kachikwu stated.

“We have not been brought to our present state by any natural calamity—by drought or floods or pestilence or by the destruction of our manpower.”

He emphasised the nation’s abundant potential, contrasting it sharply with its current challenges.

“Indeed, we have a superabundance of raw materials, a more than ample supply of human resources, and a strong market, both local and international.

Read Also: My take on PDP, 2027 elections, Amaechi, Fubara, by Wike

“But raw materials remain unused, factories stand idle, farmlands abandoned, traders sell less and less, while millions of able-bodied men and women, in dire need, are clamoring for the opportunity to work,” he stressed.

Kachikwu described this grim reality as an “awful paradox,” serving as a “stinging rebuke that makes nonsense of any 2027 conversation by desperate politicians—in power and opposition.”

He concluded with a direct appeal “We should all focus on solving the problems of today now and leave the promises of 2027 till 2027.”

June 3, 2025
EzeIgbo Ghana Ihenetu celebrates King Ateke Tom on birthday

In a flagrant show of deep respect for traditional institutions, royalty, and leadership, the Diaspora Paramount Ruler of the Igbo Community in the Republic of Ghana, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, has sent a heartwarming goodwill message to celebrate His Royal Majesty King (Dr) Ateke Michael Tom (Seukro of Niger Delta) on the occasion of his birthday anniversary in grand style.

The Global Peace Ambassador, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Ihenetu, in a statement made on Monday morning at his revered Obiukwu, Obigbo, Obieziokwu royal palace in Ghana, commended King Ateke Tom for not only being a father figure to all, but a rallying point for the promotion of peace, unity, and cultural diversity in the Niger Delta region, South-South—Nigeria.

Eze-igbo Ghana, and Publicity Secretary, Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, Eze Ihenetu, in a well-worded letter forwarded to his Country Director on Media Strategy & Communications, Imo born Media Consultant, Public Analyst and Newspaper Columnist, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, reads:

“I wish to send my heartwarming congratulatory message to a respected royal father, peace ambassador, and beloved brother.

“His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Michael Tom (Amanayabo of Okochiri Ancient Kingdom, the Seukro of Niger Delta), on the occasion marking your colorful and fruitful birthday anniversary.”

“Your love for the good people of Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta region is exemplified in the sacrifices you had made over the years to defend their good cause and protect their common interest.

Read Also: EzeIgbo Ghana celebrates Ooni of Ife at 50

“You have used your most revered throne to speak for the oppressed, protect the poor, and provide for the less privileged across ethnic and religious lines. May the Almighty God, who has found you worthy to lead your people, give you the wisdom and leadership direction to continue to be a good shepherd over the numerous flocks He has kept under your care. May the King live long! May your reign continue to enjoy peace and the love of the good people of Okochiri Kingdom, Okirika, and the rest of Rivers State, Amen.”

“Long live, HRM King Dr. Ateke Michael Tom. Long live Rivers State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Recall that preparatory to the Igbo new yam festival in Ghana, which took place on September 17, 2024, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu (Ezeohazurume of Ghana) sent a powerful delegation to Okirika to extend his special letter of invitation to King Michael Ateke Tom, who accorded them a warm reception.

June 2, 2025
Amnesty International’s Nigeria Report: Fictional Fatalities, Factual Failures
- A Response to ‘Nigeria: Mounting Death Toll and Looming Humanitarian Crisis,’
- By Tersoo Chiahemen
Amid Unchecked Attacks by Armed Groups’

Amnesty International has once again set off alarm bells with a sensationalist report claiming that over 10,000 people have been killed by bandits and armed groups in Northern Nigeria since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office two years ago. With dramatic headlines like “Bandits Sacked 672 Villages and Killed Over 10,000 under Tinubu,” Amnesty has managed to attract widespread media attention but very little scrutiny. And, scrutiny is what this report sorely needs.

The report purports that 6,896 people were killed in Benue and 2,630 in Plateau, representing over 98% of the deaths it attributes to the entire country. This is not just improbable—it is inflammatory and potentially dangerous. By exaggerating fatalities in two ethnically and religiously sensitive states, the report risks exacerbating tensions and deepening divisions.

This kind of data distortion is not merely sloppy, it is reckless.

Contrary to Amnesty’s inflated and unverified claims, data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), a globally respected and methodologically sound organization tells a starkly different story. ACLED, which uses daily, source-based data collection methods and maintains onground presence, reports that total fatalities in Benue and

Plateau from 2023 to 2025 stand at 2,132:

– Benue: 497 (2023), 650 (2024), 155 (2025)

– Plateau: 401 (2023), 320 (2024), 109 (2025)

(Source: ACLED Data for Nigeria, 2023–2025)

These figures show a downward trend, not a bloodbath. One must ask: how did Amnesty arrive at numbers nearly five times higher than those from ACLED? What sources did it use? Were those sources independently verified? Were the deaths categorized by cause criminality, conflict, accidents, or natural causes? The report answers none of these vital questions, revealing a glaring lack of transparency and rigour.

Read Also: Tinubu to inaugurate Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, other landmark projects

Amnesty International was once a beacon of rigorous research and moral clarity in the fight for global human rights. But if this report is any indication, the organization has traded professionalism for propaganda. In Nigeria, Amnesty now increasingly appears ill-equipped to grasp the complexity of local dynamics. Instead of nuanced analysis, it offers politically charged headlines, armchair activism, and shallow statistics.

To suggest that the Nigerian government is “doing little beyond media statements” is a baseless smear. The Tinubu administration has deployed strategic military operations, invested in community-led security architecture, and prioritized disarmament and peacebuilding in volatile regions.

Yes, challenges persist, especially in rural and border areas, but the blanket assertion of state inaction is both inaccurate and unfair.

The question must now be asked: Is Amnesty International still committed to truth and justice in Nigeria, or has it become a tool for sensationalism and soft-power coercion? Its latest report bereft of methodological clarity, inflated in its numbers, and dangerously divisive in its conclusions demands a response not just from the Nigerian government but from the international community and Amnesty’s own leadership.

Amnesty should immediately subject this report to independent audit and publicly release its sources and methodologies. It should engage with credible data institutions like ACLED and Nigerian civil society actors to support it in doing a proper and professionally grounded job. More importantly, it must ask itself whether it still has the moral and analytical capacity to do the work it claims to champion.

Until then, we are left with a troubling truth: Amnesty’s report is not a wake-up call—it is a work of fiction. And one that does more harm than good.

* Chiahemen lives in Gboko
May 31, 2025
Onoh denies Tinubu endorsed Mbah for second term

President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the South East Dr Josef Onoh has refuted the claim by a billionaire businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, that President Tinubu has endorsed Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah, for re-election.

Onoh said that the statement was Eze’s personal opinion and did not represent any official position of the Presidency.

Onoh noted Tinubu is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and could not have endorsed Governor Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that would have amounted to anti-party activity.

He said the President is focused on stabilising the economy and tackling insecurity and not in the business of endorsing state Governors for second term, adding that the resources that the Federal Government makes available to the State Governments are enough to make their people reward the Governors with second terms.

“President Tinubu belongs to the APC while Gov Mbah is from the opposition PDP. Having been one of the prominent Nigerians who fought for democracy, the president was elected to serve Nigerians, hence endorsing any Governor for a second term in office is an anti- democratic action.

“The President is a firm believer that it’s the people, your constituents, the electorates who have the sole powers of endorsing anyone seeking political office, be it for a second term. Therefore any performing Governor, National and State Assembly members down to the local governments in Nigeria can only be endorsed by their people based on performance. It’s only the electorates in Enugu state that have powers to endorse the Governor,” he said.

Onoh said that the same goes to all the elected and appointed political office holders that are endorsing the president for a second term in office.

“As much as that gesture is highly appreciated, it is counter productive and amounts to nothing if you have failed to provide effective representation and democratic dividends for your constituents and state. Your performance is the most important and greatest endorsement the president appreciates and not your praise-singing, because he believes your performance should speak for you and once you are performing, the people will support and follow you.”

Onoh however noted the Federal government has provided all necessary support for all Governors to perform such that the monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to states in 2023 ranged from N403.39 billion (in March) to N627.73 billion (in September).

Read Also: Tinubu and contact with the Onoh family

“Enugu’s share would be based on the revenue-sharing formula (26.72% for states collectively, with Enugu’s portion depending on population and other factors). Enugu’s deductions for debt repayments were relatively low, at N1.88 billion in Q2 2023, suggesting a higher net allocation compared to states with larger deductions.

“Also the 2024 FAAC Allocations, states were projected to receive N5.54 trillion in 2024, a 69% increase from N3.3 trillion in 2023. Enugu was projected to receive N120 billion for the entire year based on the 2024 approved budget.”

He recalled that in reports from June 2023 to May 2024, Enugu’s allocation increased by 42.82% compared to the previous 12 months (June 2022–May 2023).

“Enugu State likely received approximately N225–240 billion in federal allocations from June 2023 to May 2025, based on a 2024 projection of N120 billion. An estimated N70 billion for the second half of 2023, and N35–50 billion for the first five months of 2025.”

He noted that the above was a rough estimate due to incomplete monthly data and reliance on projections, but that it clearly demonstrates the president’s reforms and support for all state governors to discharge their duties without hindrance.

“So if you perform, the people will vote you in or out and not President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Hence, the claim of Mr. President’s endorsement is more of a political statement for the occasion as it lacks corroboration from primary sources such as official statements from the presidency.

“Historically, Nigeria presidents had rarely, if ever, publicly endorsed opposition figures for governorship re-elections due to the polarized nature of party politics. For instance, during the 2023 election cycle, former President Muhammadu Buhari (APC) endorsed President Bola Tinubu (APC) for president, not opposition candidates, and focused on supporting APC Governors and candidates.

“Similarly, Presidents such Goodluck Jonathan (PDP) and Olusegun Obasanjo (PDP) prioritized their party’s interests during their tenures, with no clear instances of endorsing opposition Governors for re-election. Rather there are cases of opposition governors defecting to the ruling party, which can be interpreted as implicit support.

“Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State), both originally PDP, defected to the APC and expressed admiration for Tinubu’s leadership. So, if Governor Peter Mbah wants our support he should boldly defect to our party, the APC.

“While this could be seen as aligning with the president’s influence, it does not constitute a direct endorsement for a second term while they were still opposition members. We are in the business of running a country and not endorsements. The presidency isn’t INEC!”

May 30, 2025
Suspended Duke apologises to Oba of Benin

The suspended Enogie (Duke) of Utoka community in Ovia Northeast Local Government of Edo State, Airomwanbo Ogieayevbona, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, for the infractions that led to his suspension.

He said yesterday in Benin: “I agree to abide by whatever it pleases your Royal Majesty to request me to do, to be able to reconcile with you as your loyal subject and son.

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“I admit the toll my suspension has taken on me, and I am fully repentant. I pledge to retrace my steps and to be of good conduct.”

The suspended Duke also said he did not intend to abandon his ancestry and route, stressing that a departure would not be in his own interest.

May 30, 2025
Akpabio reiterates support for greater female representation in governance

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasised the importance of women’s representation and their crucial role in the development of the nation.

He acknowledged the crucial role women play in leadership and governance, describing them as “better managers” and strong decision-makers.

Akpabio made the remarks during an advocacy visit to his office by a group of women activists under the aegis of “Reserved seats for women bill” led by Osasu Igbinedion.

He lamented the challenges women face in political spaces, pointing out that women themselves often do not vote for female candidates, a barrier that needs to be addressed for greater female participation in political representation.

“We all came from women. Personally I am blessed with four beautiful daughters. The success of this bill will open the doors of greater political participation for our female children,” he said, while advising the advocates to do more to win more converts for the bill to scale through.

In her speech, Mrs Igbinedion said, “We are here today to speak on behalf of millions of Nigerian women — farmers, entrepreneurs, market traders, doctors, teachers, and mothers — whose voices have for too long been underrepresented in the highest chambers of our democracy.

“The Reserved Seats for Women Bill offers us a rare opportunity to correct that historic imbalance to finally give women a seat at the table where national decisions are made.

“Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s representation in parliament, with women occupying less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. This is not just a gender issue — It is a governance issue, a democracy issue, and a development issue.

“The evidence is clear: when women are involved in policymaking, we see stronger communities, more inclusive legislation, and better outcomes in health, education, and peace-building. Representation matters — not just symbolically, but substantively.

Read Also: Akpabio constitutes standing committees for regional commissions

“This bill is not asking for charity; it is calling for justice. It is not about reducing the space for men; it is about expanding the possibilities for Nigeria. By creating reserved seats for women, we are not limiting merit — we are correcting systemic exclusion.

“Mr. President, your endorsement of this bill will be a turning point. It will send a powerful message across Nigeria — that this Senate is ready to lead with integrity, to legislate with empathy, and to act with boldness in pursuit of equality,” she said.

The Senate President and other Senators present were decorated with the “I support reserved seats for women bill” badge.

May 29, 2025
Imo Govt partners UNICEF, development agencies to boost quality of life

… As Uzodimma receives global partners on nutrition, food security, others

The Imo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) and other development agencies, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Imo citizens through improved healthcare facilities, quality education, and food security.

The state governor, Hope Uzodimma, stated this when he received a delegation of some Global Partners – Food and Agricultural Organization, UNICEF, FHI-360, and Results for Development, among others – working on Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri.

The Governor who expressed joy that Imo was among the focal States for the intervention programmes and projects, noted that the programmes align with his administration’s core values of “providing sustainable development, promoting quality living and emancipating our people.”

He disclosed that his administration established a University of Agriculture as part of its business template to address food security, with the whole idea “to promote practical agriculture, boost food production for food sufficiency and export for foreign currency earning.”

“Today, willing partners like the FAO, UNICEF, FHI-360, Result for Development and Federal Ministry of Health have volunteered to partner the State,” Uzodimma said, assuring that “Imo is willing, able and committed to collaborate with these partners.”

He thanked the leader of the team who is also the House Committee Chairman on Nutrition and National Food Security/Member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chike Okafor, for recommending Imo State to benefit from the programme/projects.

Earlier, Rt. Hon. Okafor disclosed that the funding partners and donor Agencies on food and nutrition had a mandate to support national and sub-national governments in the areas of improving nutrition and making food available for the people.

He said the groups were in Imo to commence their programmes and projects, pointing out that the State is strategic, giving the position of Governor Uzodimma who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors as well as the Chairman of Southeast Governor’s Forum.

Rt. Hon. Okafor commended the Governor for the holistic approach to development across the State, placing on record the untiring efforts of the Governor’s team to make the visit most fruitful.

He appreciated the Agencies for the commitments made in Imo State, especially the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), a subset of the United Nations which has already started a programme in Imo State that runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Contributing, the Country Director, Nutrition Intervention, Dr. Osita Okonkwo and UNICEF Chief of Field Office Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chilewe, commended the Imo State Governor for the commitments made in promoting the well-being and development of children and for the intervention in restoring peace in the State.

They appealed to the Governor to take seriously the improvement on the nutrition of the citizenry in Imo State, particularly that of children and mothers, and used the opportunity of the meeting to appeal for support for their summit coming up in July.

Dr. Nuhu Kilishi, National Programme Manager/Director Federal Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed that there will be stakeholders’ engagement to select one School to establish Junior Farmers Club where the students will be trained and equipped in various aspects of agriculture.

Other representatives who spoke and made case for improved nutrition in Imo State include, Country Director, FHI-360, Dr. Victor Ogbodo, the Country Director, Results For Development, Dr. Felix Obi.

May 29, 2025
C’River, AHF partner to provide pads to underserved communities

The Cross River State Government on Wednesday in Calabar agreed to partner with the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to provide sanitary pads to women and girls in underserved communities of the state.

Mrs Edema Irom, Commissioner for Women Affairs, spoke during an engagement with four secondary schools in Cross River to commemorate the World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The engagement saw the distribution of sanitary pads to students of West African Peoples’ Institute (WAPI); Government Secondary School Lagos Street, Calabar; Henshaw Town Sec School and Government Secondary School Akim by AHF.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to emphasise the importance of breaking taboos, ensuring access to quality menstrual products, comprehensive period education, and period-friendly facilities.

The theme of the 2025, observance is “Together for a period friendly world.”

Irom called on line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations and communities to collaborate in ensuring that sanitary pads are provided in public places.

“The greatest challenge we have had as a ministry is the provision of pads, even if the pads are made available, another challenge is water and proper toilet facility in schools.

“It will shock you to know that most times women come to the ministry to ask for pad and many girls sleep around for things as little as money for sanitary pads,” she said.

On his part the Advocacy Manager of AHF, Steve Aborishade said menstruation went beyond issues of hygiene to issues that include a conducive environment for girls to enjoy their monthly period.

Aborishade said some of the needs identified include: lack of access to sanitary products, water, and the stigma and taboos affiliated with menstruation.

He added that they were pushing for a society where menstruation was not seen as a problem but something normal with young women and girls.

Read Also: AHF Nigeria joins calls for period equity on Menstrual Health Day

“We hope to end the era where girls use different materials that cause complications in their health as sanitary towels,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Gertrude Egbole, Principal of WAPI, who was represented by Mrs Ofem Okoi, a Teacher in the School, thanked AHF for the engagement, adding that they take menstruation seriously in the school.

One of the beneficiaries of the engagement, Miss Destiny Udoaka, an SS 1 student of Henshaw Town Secondary School said she was very happy for receiving the menstrual pad from AHF.

Udoaka also commended AHF for involving the boys in the engagement because it helps them understand better that menstruation is not a crime but a normal thing that happens to every woman.

May 28, 2025
Stakeholders back Otuaro, condemn criticisms against PAP administrator

The critical stakeholders’ forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has passed a vote of confidence on the Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, reaffirming their faith in his competence and transformational leadership.

The group condemned criticisms against Otuaro, describing him as a blessing to the PAP and the Niger Delta region.

Under Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has been sanitised and repositioned to effectively execute its mandate of rehabilitating, training, and reintegrating beneficiaries.

The Administrator has enthroned transparency and accountability, making the programme more result-oriented and productive.

The stakeholders urged critics to be factual, constructive, and patriotic in their comments, eschewing bitterness and negative political sentiments.

They specifically called on Owusu Owupele and his group to conduct an objective analysis of Otuaro’s reforms and policies, and to render an unreserved apology for their malicious and unfounded statements.

The group believes that a united, peaceful, and prosperous Niger Delta is in the best interest of all stakeholders and urged patriotic Niger Deltans and genuine beneficiaries to support Otuaro in his bid to transform the PAP, and to focus on the successful implementation of the programme.

The Critical Stakeholders Forum in a statement signed by Chief Reuben C. Wilson, Chairman, Critical Stakeholders Forum, Presidential Amnesty Programme, commended Otuaro’s leadership and vision, describing him as a true ambassador of the Niger Delta people.

They called on all stakeholders to give him the needed encouragement and enable the working environment to optimally perform his duties.

The statement reads: “The Critical Stakeholders Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme hereby passes a vote of confidence on the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro. We reaffirm our faith in the competence and transformational leadership of Dr Dennis Otuaro. We declare that he is a blessing to the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Niger Delta region and therefore, we are calling on all his critics to be factual, constructive and patriotic.

“This call is premised on the fact that there is the emergence of a new trend of frivolous criticisms orchestrated to tarnish the image of the Administrator and reduce his popularity among the beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. And the majority of the said criticisms against him are heavily laced with bitterness and negative political sentiments. We are therefore calling on all such critics to eschew bitterness and political sentiments while expressing their opinions concerning the leadership trajectory of Dr.Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

“We are also using this medium to call on Owusu Owupele and his group to do an objective analysis and a thorough research on the reforms and progressive policies initiated by Dr.Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to enable him and his group arrive at a more accurate and informed account of events of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr.Dennis Otuaro. Mr Owusu Owupele and his group should thereafter render an unreserved apology to the Administrator for making such unfounded, spurious, malicious and reckless statements against him.

“It’s a well-known fact that High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro has sanitised the Presidential Amnesty Programme and has repositioned it to be able to effectively execute its original mandate of rehabilitating, training and reintegrating back to the society, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The Presidential Amnesty Programme had lost focus on its core mandate before the emergence of High Chief Otuaro. The current transformation at the Presidential Amnesty Office is made possible by the uncommon transformational leadership of High Chief Otuaro.

“High Chief Dennis Otuaro has also enthroned transparency and accountability in the Presidential Amnesty Programme. His transformational leadership and vision have made the Presidential Amnesty Programme more result-oriented and productive. He is indeed a blessing to the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Niger Delta Region. He should be celebrated and not vilified. He is a true Ambassador of the Niger Delta people.

“It’s therefore surprising and disheartening to read about uninformed and baseless comments made against High Chief Dennis Otuaro, such as the one made by Owusu Owupele and his group, alleging that Otuaro betrayed the trust of the beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and therefore, should be sacked.

“We hereby totally condemn such malicious and fabricated falsehood targeted at pulling down our dear, uncommon Administrator, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro. We urge all those who are involved in such distasteful and nefarious activities to desist forthwith from such activities and “turn a new leaf.” They should become patriotic and responsible citizens for the betterment of our nation.

“It’s pertinent to note that criticism is part of the means to enthroning probity and accountability in a society, but such must be done objectively, truthfully, factually and constructively, and should be devoid of any form of bias, falsehood and negative sentiments.

“It’s unfortunate that the ‘stock in trade’ of some persons is to try to pull down public office holders by ‘casting aspersions’ and spreading falsehoods against them. The activities of such persons can distract and slow down the efficiency and productivity of public office holders, which can negatively impact public governance and development in the country.

Read Also: Boro’s Legacy: Otuaro advocates for peace, unity, expanded opportunities

“Furthermore, it is with the highest sense of patriotism and unflinching commitment to the unity, peace and holistic development of the Niger Delta Region and the betterment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, that we are calling on all patriotic Niger Deltans and genuine beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to join hands with High Chief (Dr.) Dennis B. Otuoaro to strengthen and better the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the collective good of all of us.

“As Critical Stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, we believe strongly that a united, peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta and the successful execution of the original mandate of the Presidential Amnesty Programme should be the ultimate interest of all patriotic and well-meaning Niger Deltans and genuine beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Therefore, supporting High Chief Otuaro in his bid to transform the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the holistic and successful implementation of its original mandate should be the primary focus of all genuine beneficiaries. The Presidential Amnesty Programme beneficiaries should eschew divisive tendencies and focus on the efficient and successful implementation of the programme.

“We consider it very important and necessary to make this clarion call because the Presidential Amnesty Programme needs a stable, peaceful and productive environment to thrive and be successful. We don’t need to unnecessarily distract the Administrator. We must give him the needed encouragement and enabling working environment to optimally perform his duties for the betterment of the programme.”

May 28, 2025