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  • Otuaro tackling educational gaps in N’Delta, says Ex-IYC chairman

    Otuaro tackling educational gaps in N’Delta, says Ex-IYC chairman

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro, has been commended for tackling the ‘long-neglected educational gaps’ among the teeming youths of the Niger Delta region.

    The immediate past chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone (Delta, Edo, and Ondo states), Doubra Okotete, gave the commendation in a statement made available to reporters in Warri, Monday.

    According to him, the Otuaro-led PAP has not only revived the original vision of the programme by addressing the long-standing educational deficiencies in neglected creek communities, but also made giant strides in peace-building in the oil-rich region.

    Okotete also extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing Otuaro, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole” whose leadership has already produced a measurable impact.

    Describing the efforts so far carried out by the Amnesty office as “wonderful and “impactful,” the ex-IYC leader said, “His administration has been particularly outstanding in the area of peace-building across the Niger Delta region, as well as in addressing the long-neglected educational gaps that have held back many impoverished communities, especially those across the creeks of the Niger Delta states and beyond,” Okotete said.

    He praised Otuaro’s commitment to human capital development, citing the sponsorship of over 250 students for postgraduate studies abroad and the enrollment of hundreds more in academic and vocational institutions across Nigeria.

    “It is evident that Dr. Otuaro’s vision and leadership are in direct alignment with the founding template of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, as conceived and declared by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. His initiatives have breathed new life into the original goals of the PAP, transforming it into a tool of empowerment, reconciliation, and sustainable development.

    Read Also: Ijaw group defends PAP boss Otuaro, alleges ethnic sentiments 

    “Notably, under his leadership, over 250 students have been sponsored abroad for postgraduate studies in crucial academic fields at reputable international universities. At the same time, hundreds of others are currently enrolled in postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational, and skill acquisition programs across leading institutions in Nigeria. This commitment to human capital development is laudable and speaks volumes about his dedication to equipping Niger Delta youths with the tools for a better and more responsible future,” the statement said.

    The former IYC leader urged PAP beneficiaries to remain disciplined and focused, while calling on critics to “retrace their steps” and support the administration’s peace and development agenda.

    “I call for greater support and unity behind the PAP administration, while advising those who selfishly seek to undermine or attack the progress being made to retrace their steps. Instead, they should join forces with the current leadership in advancing the good works of this administration for the collective peace, stability, and development of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole,” Okotete concluded.

    Since assuming office in 2023, Otuaro has shown commitment to educational empowerment, conflict resolution, and sustainable development among ex-agitators and other stakeholders in the region.

  • PAPBEF applauds Otuaro as 140 Niger Delta scholars depart for UK postgraduate studies

    PAPBEF applauds Otuaro as 140 Niger Delta scholars depart for UK postgraduate studies

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme Beneficiaries Forum (PAPBEF) has hailed the deployment of over 140 Niger Delta scholarship beneficiaries to universities in the United Kingdom, lauding it as a landmark achievement and the most significant educational initiative in the programme’s recent history.

    The forum commended Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, for what it described as his transformative leadership, which has effectively translated President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible opportunities for the region.

    In a statement, PAPBEF emphasised the administration’s commitment to ensuring an equitable distribution of opportunities across all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta.

    “This initiative represents more than an educational opportunity; it embodies the transformative vision of Dr. Otuaro’s administration to cultivate a new generation of professionals who will drive sustainable development,” Comrade Spencer Senibo, PAPBEF spokesperson said. 

    “We are witnessing a new era where the Niger Delta’s potential is being unlocked through strategic investment. 

    “Dr. Otuaro’s focused and effective approach is facilitating progress at a remarkable pace, achieving significant milestones in a short timeframe,” he added. 

    PAPBEF endorsed this groundbreaking initiative and urged continued investment in human capital development, both onshore and offshore. 

    Given the administration’s demonstrated capacity for achieving rapid results, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Otuaro’s determination for the Niger Delta region’s growth.

    “We urge Dr. Otuaro to maintain this trajectory and call upon all stakeholders to support the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s critical work in building a prosperous and stable Niger Delta through education and capacity building,” Senibo added.

    This latest deployment follows the administration’s earlier success in placing 1,700 beneficiaries into various Nigerian institutions for the 2024/2025 academic session

  • N/Delta youths back Otuaro’s call for Tinubu’s support in 2027

    N/Delta youths back Otuaro’s call for Tinubu’s support in 2027

    The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders (CNDYS) has expressed strong support for the recent statement made by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s candidacy for the 2027 general elections.

    Following an emergency consultative meeting, the coalition praised Otuaro’s “bold and strategic” call for regional unity in backing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the Convener of the CNYDS, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, emphasised that President Tinubu’s administration had shown an unprecedented commitment to the peace, stability, and development of the Niger Delta.

    The coalition pointed to significant initiatives, including increased budget allocations for education through PAP, support for the South-South Development Commission, funding for the Niger Delta Development Commission, and various vocational training and empowerment programmes, as evidence of the President’s dedication to the region.

    Kemepadei affirmed that Dr. Otuaro’s assertion reflected the confidence the Niger Delta people have in President Tinubu, citing his track record over the past two years in promoting peace and socio-economic growth as substantial proof of his genuine partnership with the region.

    Read Also: Why Niger Delta should support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, by Otuaro

    The coalition’s Convener also urged their constituents to remain vigilant against political actors attempting to disrupt unity and progress ahead of the elections, highlighting the importance of collective action for the region’s advancement.

    “We call on all Niger Delta youths, community leaders, and stakeholders to resist the antics of desperate politicians and stand solidly behind the only candidate with a proven agenda for our people; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement said.

    Reaffirming their unwavering position, Kemepadei stated: “We wholeheartedly restate our full backing for Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s timely and visionary call to rally the Niger Delta solidly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    “Dr. Otuaro has shown true leadership by placing the collective interest of our region above personal or partisan considerations. His proactive engagement with stakeholders and his steadfast commitment to peace, development, and empowerment perfectly align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” 

    He further commended Otuaro for leveraging his office as PAP’s Administrator to expand life-changing opportunities for ex-agitators and youths through enhanced education, vocational training, and post-training empowerment programmes.

    He pledged, “We stand with Dr. Otuaro because his message is the message of progress. We commend him for echoing the aspirations of the Niger Delta people and for defending our collective future under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that President Tinubu’s second term mandate is delivered, so that the gains we are witnessing today will not only be sustained but multiplied for generations to come.”

  • Otuaro hails Tinubu for backing PAP’s peacebuilding process In Niger Delta

    Otuaro hails Tinubu for backing PAP’s peacebuilding process In Niger Delta

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his huge support for the programme’s peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta.

    Otuaro spoke on Wednesday while delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony for the second batch of the Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Media Training organised by the PAP for its stakeholders in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

    The first batch of the three-day workshop took place from July 16 to July 18 at the same venue.

    Otuaru in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, attributed Tinubu’s firm backing of the programme’s peacebuilding initiative to the president’s strong desire for sustainable peace, stability and development in the region and indeed Nigeria.

    Otuaro said the President’s massive support for the PAP stemmed from his concern for a better and assured future for the people of the Niger Delta, adding that “a better tomorrow for our region must be secured today through a deliberate peace process that is massively supported by the President.”

    He told the participants that they were critical partners for peace and stability in the region and that the workshop was aimed at improving their leadership and mediation capacity as peace ambassadors of the programme.

    Otuaro, while declaring the worskship open, said, “I am very grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for believing in the peacebuilding initiative undertaken by the PAP in our villages and communities in the Niger Delta.

    “Mr President’s support has been tremendous, and it shows his profound commitment and dedication to peace, stability and security for the accelerated development and socio-economic advancement in our region.

    “So, I want Niger Delta people and all stakeholders to thank Mr President for his remarkable support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the peace process that my leadership has embarked upon in our region.

    Read Also: Otuaro hails Tinubu for Niger Delta peace

    “As stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, you (the participants) are worthy ambassadors in the peacebuilding project in our region, and I want you to know that we all have a responsibility to also support Mr President by working assiduously for sustainable peace in and around our communities.”

    He also extended profound gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his “tireless efforts at providing valuable inputs and interventions in the implementation of the programme’s objectives.”

    He assured the participants and other Niger Delta stakeholders of his commitment to his policy of inclusivity, adding that plans were ongoing to empower the region’s women “because they were also casualties in the struggle.”

    The PAP helmsman, therefore, urged the participants to shun all forms of distractions and take active part in the training so they could gain vital lessons that would be useful to them in their roles as peace ambassadors.

  • Ex-Niger agitators carpet blackmailers of PAP boss Otuaro at support rally

    Ex-Niger agitators carpet blackmailers of PAP boss Otuaro at support rally

    The Niger Delta ex-agitators forum (Phase 1, 2, 3) on Thursday organised a solidarity rally to express unwavering support for Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a year ago. 

    The ex-agitators’ leaders noted that Dr. Otuaro had exceeded expectations during his tenure of over a year, significantly revitalising the Amnesty Programme.

    At the rally held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, members praised Otuaro’s leadership, likening him to a “modern-day Moses” for the Niger Delta, and passed a unanimous Vote of Confidence in his abilities. 

    In a communique released after the support rally, signed by ‘Generals’ Alhaji Letugbene Vice Chairman (PAP Phase 3); Emmanuel Satu, Secretary, Abuja Chapter (PAP Phase and Asawana Lucky, Leader (PAP Phase 1), they recognised Otuaro’s astute administration and effective management of resources, which they indicated had transformed the narrative of the Amnesty Programme from waste to accountable and successful governance.

    Again, the Forum also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his wise appointment of Dr. Otuaro, who is noted for his innovative and visionary leadership. 

    The Forum acknowledged the constitutional right of every Nigerian to protest peacefully, noting however that any protest that degenerates into blackmail, falsehoods, or smear campaigns against law-abiding citizens, like Dr. Otuaro, is disconcerting.

    The Forum strongly condemned a recent protest organised by a group named ‘The Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change,’ which accused Dr. Otuaro of corruption and favoritism, alleging that the group was sponsored to undermine the Administrator’s credibility.

    The Forum contended that the allegations against Dr. Otuaro are deemed wicked and unacceptable, viewed as attempts to tarnish his image and distract from his and his team’s efforts to foster positive change in the Niger Delta.

    They noted that since the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, Otuaro had faced unprecedented levels of criticism and smear campaigns, more than any of his predecessors in the role.

    The communique reads in part, “We hereby call on the Federal Government, including the security agencies and in particular, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to, as a matter of urgency, put measures on the ground to unravel the true identities of those who staged the protest under the banner of ‘The Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change’ and their agenda as they are not beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Phase 1, 2 or 3, neither are they from the Niger Delta region. 

    “We, the ex-agitators in Phases 1, 2 and 3, coming under the aegis of Niger Delta Ex-agitators Forum, boldly say that none of those at the protest, including the spokesman, Comrade Lion Ogori, are our members. Their activity is not only worrisome but portends huge danger to the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta, of which Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro and other critical stakeholders played a pivotal role to achieve.

    “We want Nigerians to know that the group is a sponsored group of people who are clearly playing a script prepared by a cabal of disgruntled ex-militant leaders whose sole aim is to discredit and distract Dr. Otuaro. “They are not a group of ex-agitators and have no single idea or knowledge of what is going on in the Amnesty Office. They are only puppets in the hands of a puppeteer, who is pulling the strings and controlling them to stage a senseless protest.

    Read Also: Otuaro hails Tinubu for Niger Delta peace

    “Nigerians should not be deceived by what they hear or see from groups like that because the several protests and media attacks against Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, have become the favourite pasttime of a few idle and confused individuals. 

    “We also want Nigerians to know that Dr. Otuaro’s only offence is that, upon his appointment into office, he cleared the rot in the system by stopping leakages and unwholesome practices being spearheaded by some former militant leaders whose fraudulent activities could have truncated the Amnesty Programme.

    “There are thirty thousand (30,000) ex-agitators in the database of the Amnesty Programme and we are all paid our monthly stipends regularly and on time. This has, in no small measure, boosted the attainment of the core objective of the PAP in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The success of the Amnesty Programme is hinged on Otuaro’s commitment towards promoting peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. He has criss-crossed the length and breath of the region, speaking with governors, elder statesmen, opinion leaders, women and youth groups including beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Thus, he has given all stakeholders a sense of belonging as we work together for the peace and stability of our region.”

  • Why Niger Delta will support Tinubu’s re-election by Otuaro

    Why Niger Delta will support Tinubu’s re-election by Otuaro

    Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has declared that the Niger Delta region will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing his sincerity and commitment to the region’s development.

    Otuaro made the statement while commending South-South leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for endorsing Tinubu as their sole presidential candidate ahead of the next general elections.

    He described the endorsement by party leaders and governors from Edo, Delta, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States during their July 5, 2025, meeting in Benin as a justified reward for the President’s practical love for the region.

    Highlighting Tinubu’s contributions, Otuaro noted that the Niger Delta has significantly benefited under the Renewed Hope Agenda through major appointments, landmark projects, and increased funding of key institutions like the NDDC and PAP.

    He also praised Tinubu for signing into law critical legislations establishing the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, and the South South Development Commission.

    “These are not just promises; they are actions that show the President means well for our people. He deserves our support,” Otuaro said.

    Otuaro said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has not hidden his intention to develop the South South and the Niger Delta, which explains why he has given this level of attention to the Lagos-Calabar Expressway.

    Read Also: Niger Delta ex-agitators declare unwavering support for Tinubu, Tompolo, Otuaro

    “I urge the South-South and the Niger Delta people to embrace the informed position of the APC leaders to sustain the region in the position to attract more development through a listening leader.

    “I also advise the youths of the region and delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Programme not to allow themselves to be used by politicians with intentions inimical to the interest of the Niger Delta.

    “I know that many will soon besiege our streets with their deceptive antics out of desperation for votes.

    “We all can attest to what the President has done, and we are informed enough to know who is sincere with the desired development of our region.

    “What this President deserves is our continued support and contribution to his reelection in 2027.”

  • Amnesty boss Otuaro urges support for youth empowerment in Niger Delta

    Amnesty boss Otuaro urges support for youth empowerment in Niger Delta

    Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, has called on stakeholders to rally behind his efforts to develop and harness the potential of young people in the Niger Delta region.

    Speaking during a visit to the palace of the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty Udurhie I, in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday, Otuaro stressed the importance of leaving a lasting legacy of human capital development rather than focusing solely on increasing stipends.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta are carried along in the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for a peaceful and prosperous region.

    Otuaro also highlighted the shared vision of President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for sustainable peace and development across the Niger Delta.

    “We will focus on the younger ones. This is an opportunity to build the younger ones. Let us help our tomorrow. Let us focus on how to improve our human resources, not increment of stipends. 

    “The legacy is how many humans you were able to develop and harness their potentials. ,” he stated

    At the Idjerhe palace were other Urhobo monarchs, including the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, HRM Igbi II; the Ovie of Oghara, HRM Orefe III; the Ovie of Ughelli, Oharisi III; the Ovie of Evwreni, HRM Eruvwedede III; Ovie of Ogor, Igere I; Ovie of Mosogar, HRM Uduaka I and Ovie of Arhavwarien, HRM Okukeren III.

    According to the PAP boss, the “Urhobos are critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta project.”

    Otuaro explained that even though the PAP targets ex-agitators, everyone in the Niger Delta were victims of the struggle.

    “Though the target is about those that dropped arms, but everybody in the Niger Delta are victims of the Niger Delta struggle. We believe even those that didn’t carry arms are beneficiaries

    “It has been difficult reaching the impacted all these years. But when I came on board, we tried to do engagement to deepen every aspect of this programme,” he said.

    He noted that challenges such as funding, foreign scholarship among others, experienced by the programme before his assumption of office had received the President’s attention.

    “When we came in, we were able to improve and admited 1,317 students last year. We tried to bring back the foreign scholarship, but we are doing it on specific programmes in Masters. 

    “We want to empower at least 3,000 women. They don’t have to wait till the elections. By early next month we would start that process. We will consult our stakeholders so that everybody has that sense of belonging.

    Read Also: Why Tompolo, Otuaro are under attacks, by Delta monarch

    “Under my watch, nobody will hijack this programme for one group’s interest. I will make sure my Urhobo people are carried along; I will make sure every tribe is carried along. And those who were left out and have genuine complains, I will look into them. I am trying to resolve all the BVN issues and payments,” Otuaro assured.

    He enjoined stakeholders to remain peaceful to usher the much needed development.

    He said: “But we must talk to our communities, and see that peace is maintained. I know almost everyone that took part in this struggle. I will make sure the mandate given by the President, I will not disappoint you”.

    In his remarks, the host traditional ruler, HRM Udurhie I, thanked President Tinubu for appointing “a true freedom fighter ” as the Amnesty boss, just as he commended Otuaro laying “impressive” antecedents.

    Recalling the Jesse fire disaster where over a thousand persons lost their lives, he appealed for resuscitation of the hospital but by government, but abandoned over the years.

    Udurhie I further assured the Amnesty boss of their support.

  • Stakeholders back Otuaro, condemn criticisms against PAP administrator

    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.”

  • Amnesty stakeholders warn against calumny campaigns targeted at Otuaro

    Amnesty stakeholders warn against calumny campaigns targeted at Otuaro

    Those undertaking campaigns against the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, have been told to shut up and begin to think of how to join forces to move the Niger Delta forward.

    This is the position of a nascent group, the Critical Stakeholders Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme as enunciated by its chairman, Chairman, Pastor Reuben Wilson.

    Wilson, a former Niger Delta agitator, said repentant militant leaders who accepted the federal government’s amnesty programme were fully in support of the programmes and vision of Otuaro and lamented that certain elements were out to destroy the PAP coordinator for selfish reasons.

    He said in a statement on Wednesday that their faith in Otuaro’s ability to pilot the affairs of the PAP was unshaken, saying “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.”

    Wilson who has been galvanising all repentant agitators in the region said the president, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu meant well for the region and made a perfect choice in Otuaro as head of the amnesty office.

    To him, rather than pillory Otuaro, his critics should provide constructive criticisms at all times, even as he expressed the suspicion that those who were bent on bringing him down were only pursuing personal agenda.

    “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. 

    “Most of the social media attacks against the PAP coordinator 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.

    “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, to enable him and his group arrive at a more accurate and informed account of events of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.”

    The group said Otuaro had so far been able to run the PAP satisfactorily, sanitising the federal agency and repositioned to in line with the dreams of the founding fathers of the scheme.

     “The current transformation at the Presidential Amnesty Office is made possible by the uncommon transformational leadership of High Chief Otuaro. He has also enthroned transparency and accountability in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    “His transformational leadership and vision has made the Presidential Amnesty Programme to be 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.

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

    “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 falsehood against them. The activities of such persons have the capacity to distract and slow down the efficiency and productivity of public office holders which can negatively impact on public governance and development in the country.

    “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.”

  • Don’t allow blackmailers to distract your focus, stakeholders tell PAP Boss

    Don’t allow blackmailers to distract your focus, stakeholders tell PAP Boss

    Stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under the auspices of the phase two camp leaders have called on the administrator of the programme, Dennis Otuaro, to remain focused and shun blackmailers.

    While expressing satisfaction for his achievements in the first year of his appointment, the ex-agitators urged him to remain resolute and not distracted by the mischievous activities of his detractors, who did not mean well for the peace, stability and development of the Niger Delta.

    The PAP phase two camp leaders’ National President, Mr. Salvation Ibena, spoke when he led a delegation of the group on a courtesy visit to Otuaro in Abuja, on Friday.

    A statement signed by Otuaro’s special assistant on media, Igoniko Oduma, noted that the administrator’s innovative leadership and policy of inclusivity were responsible for his outstanding achievements.

    Read Also: IYC, Oborevwori, PAP boss, others felicitate Tompolo at 54

    Ibena said that Otuaro had brought the programme to the people of the Niger Delta and expanded its educational, vocational and stakeholders engagement initiatives, among other areas, to engender a huge sense of belonging among stakeholders in the region.

    He explained that their visit was to appreciate and encourage the PAP Administrator, and to express their support and solidarity with him.

    Ibena also commended Otuaro for promptly addressing the challenges affecting many beneficiaries, including biometric verification number issues, which he inherited when he assumed office.

    He said, “We have come as a delegation of the beneficiaries to greet you and thank you for what you are doing, and your great achievements so far. Evidence abounds.

    “Do not be distracted by whatever, whoever, individual or groups that may be saying negative things about you and the programme under your leadership. You have done very well.

    “You know, this kind of meeting, most times comes with complaints and all that. But this meeting, purely, is to come and appreciate and encourage you.

    “Don’t be distracted. Continue to do what you are doing. Continue with the good plans you have for the programme and your people.”

    In his remarks, the PAP boss assured the phase two camp leaders that they were all crucial partners in the Niger Delta peacebuilding process, stressing that he was humbled by their appreciation of his service to the people.

    Otuaro said he was immensely grateful to President Bola Tinubu for allowing him to serve the Niger Delta people, and for the huge support he has been extending to the PAP.

    He thanked them for the visit and further assured all Niger Delta stakeholders that the programme, under his watch, would ensure judicious use of resources provided by the Federal Government to expand opportunities in educational and vocational training for the people.