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Tag: PAP

  • PAP seeks employment opportunities for 18000 trained ex-agitators, beneficiaries

    PAP seeks employment opportunities for 18000 trained ex-agitators, beneficiaries

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has sought the partnership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for employment opportunities for some of the 18,000 trained ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC in Abuja, Dr Aminu Maida, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, said that the commission’s support would help the scheme’s post-training empowerment scheme.

    Otuaro said there were ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme with the requisite qualifications and skills that the commission could employ to enable them to contribute to national growth and development.

    He said many of them had completed their formal educational and vocational training in relevant fields as part of the PAP’s effort at human capacity development.

    Otuaro, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, described them as potential human resources that could be harnessed for the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta and the country.

    He said, “We are on a mission to seek support and collaboration with government agencies like the NCC to see how some of them can be engaged so that they can contribute their quota to national development.

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

    “The whole scope of the programme centres on national and human security, where the beneficiaries are trained in formal education and vocational skills, including information technology. Many people have been trained in various professional fields.

    “So far, we have over 18000 persons who have been trained. These are potential human resources that should be harnessed for national development. By the design of the programme, we have the post-training, employment, and empowerment component.

    “So we have an army of human resources that will contribute to national growth when engaged. We also have persons with doctorates of philosophy (PhDs) that can be easily engaged, and that is the essence of the human capacity development that we carry out.”

    In his remarks, the NCC boss expressed the commission’s commitment to providing support and equal opportunities to people without bias, stressing that there should also be evidence of value from interventions.

    Maida said the commission was poised to carry out its mandate as a regulatory agency while ensuring access to digital connectivity by all citizens.

    He, however, called for infrastructure security against vandalism to protect digital assets and sustain digital connectivity across the country.

  • 5,000 Itsekiri graduates of Novena Varsity not part of scholarship beneficiaries – PAP

    5,000 Itsekiri graduates of Novena Varsity not part of scholarship beneficiaries – PAP

    …we are not owning fees in any institution

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has said that it is not owing school fees of 5000 students of Itsekiri extraction in Novena University, Ogume, Delta State.

    In a statement on Tuesday by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, PAP stated that the agency is not owing fees in Novena or any institution within or outside the country.

    The Sole Representative of His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri to NNPLC, had alleged that the Amnesty Programme is “indebted” to Novena University concerning “all Itsekiri students” who graduated from the institution purportedly under the programme’s scholarship scheme.

    But reacting to the claim, PAP said that there were no records in Novena University and the Amnesty Office concerning award of scholarship to the 5000 Itsekiri students of the institution.

    PAP explained in the statement that the report of an inquiry into the issue by previous heads of the agency revealed that the 5000 Itsekiri indigenes were sent to the management of Novena university by the Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) in 2017 without the involvement of the agency.

    It added that it was not conceivable for the PAP to take responsibility for the students who were not deployed by the agency.

    The statement reads, “The management of PAP wishes to state unequivocally that it is not owing Novena university any tuition fees on account of the said Itsekiri graduates and any claim to the contrary is totally false, baseless, and represents an attempt to stand truth on its head.

    “PAP wishes to say also that it is not owing tuition fees in any institution within or outside the country.

    “To set the records straight, it is necessary to inform the public that the affected Itsekiri graduates were a subject of a formal investigation launched by a previous PAP leadership into allegations of scholarship admission racketeering under the programme’s formal education at Novena. Three other partnering universities were also investigated.

    “The report of the inquiry showed that the affected Itsekiri graduates constituted a list of 5000 Itsekiri indigenes that was sent to the management of Novena university by the Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) in 2017 purporting them to be PAP scholarship beneficiaries.

    “The investigation revealed that the list in question did not emanate from the PAP, and did not also have any authorization or approval of the Amnesty Programme office. Therefore, the affected Itsekiri indigenes could not have been deemed to be beneficiaries of the PAP scholarship scheme.

    “Additionally, the inquiry also revealed that there was no correspondence between the PAP and Novena university indicating that the PAP approved the purported list of 5000 Itsekiri students to be deployed to the institution.

    “The investigative committee, during its work, met with the INYC president and the secretary, as well as principal officers of Novena university led by its Vice-Chancellor who could not produce any documentation between the PAP and the institution on the affected Itsekiri graduates.

    “At the end of the exercise, the PAP duly informed the management of Novena university that the Amnesty Programme office would not bear any liability for the affected students. Doing so would have amounted to encouraging sharp practices.

    “Therefore, the PAP could not have accepted responsibility and obligation where it had none. The affected Itsekiri graduates of Novena university that the Olu’s palace is intervening for, were never beneficiaries of the amnesty programme’s scholarship.

    “All the PAP administrations that preceded the current one headed by the Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, had seen the official report of the investigation and they respected the incontrovertible truth so established.

    “Thankfully, Dr Otuaro has expanded the PAP scholarship scheme in order to create more access to higher education for ex-agitators and beneficiaries, and aggressively bridge the human capital development gap in the Niger Delta.

    “His noble reforms and initiatives to ensure that the PAP renders efficient service to the people of the Niger Delta have been applauded in official quarters, as well as by all well-meaning individuals and organisations.

    “Dr Otuaro remains unwaveringly committed to deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate, especially through his policy of inclusivity, to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for the Niger Delta.”

  • PAP disowns 5000 Itsekiri graduates of Novena Varsity

    PAP disowns 5000 Itsekiri graduates of Novena Varsity

    …says ‘we are not owing fees in any institution’

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has clarified that it is not owing school fees of 5000 students of Itsekiri extraction in Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, explaining that the students are not part of its scholarship scheme.

    The PAP in a statement on Tuesday signed by the Special Assistant on Media to its Administrator, Igoniko Oduma, insisted that it was not owing fees in Novena or any institution within or outside the country.

    PAP was reacting to claims by the so-called Office of the Sole Representative of His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri to NNPLC that the Amnesty Programme was “indebted” to Novena University concerning “all Itsekiri students” who graduated from the institution purportedly under the programme’s scholarship scheme.

    The monarch’s agent, Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, reportedly made the curious claim in a statement that the alleged liability compelled the Olu’s palace to announce an intervention to settle the “outstanding tuition and clearance fees” of all the affected Itsekiri graduates of Novena.

    But PAP said there were no records in Novena University and the Amnesty Office concerning award of scholarship to the 5000 Itsekiri students of the institution.

    PAP explained that the report of an inquiry into the issue by previous heads of the agency revealed that the 5000 Itsekiri indigenes were sent to the management of Novena University by the Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) in 2017 without its involvement.

    The scheme added that it was not conceivable for the PAP to take responsibility for the students who were not deployed by the agency.

    The statement said, “The management of PAP wishes to state unequivocally that it is not owing Novena University any tuition fees on account of the said Itsekiri graduates and any claim to the contrary is totally false, baseless, and represents an attempt to stand truth on its head.

    “PAP wishes to say also that it is not owing tuition fees in any institution within or outside the country.

    “To set the records straight, it is necessary to inform the public that the affected Itsekiri graduates were a subject of a formal investigation launched by a previous PAP leadership into allegations of scholarship admission racketeering under the programme’s formal education at Novena. Three other partnering universities were also investigated.

    Read Also: Kemepadei, Tompolo, PAP coordinator launch voter sensitisation, empowerment drive in Niger Delta

    “The report of the inquiry showed that the affected Itsekiri graduates constituted a list of 5000 Itsekiri indigenes that was sent to the management of Novena university by the Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) in 2017 purporting them to be PAP  scholarship beneficiaries.

    “The investigation revealed that the list in question did not emanate from the PAP, and did not also have any authorization or approval of the Amnesty Programme office. Therefore, the affected Itsekiri indigenes could not have been deemed to be beneficiaries of the PAP scholarship scheme.

    “Additionally, the inquiry also revealed that there was no correspondence between the PAP and Novena university indicating that the PAP approved the purported list of 5000 Itsekiri students to be deployed to the institution.

    “The investigative committee, during its work, met with the INYC president and the secretary, as well as principal officers of Novena University led by its Vice-Chancellor who could not produce any documentation between the PAP and the institution on the affected Itsekiri graduates.

    “At the end of the exercise, the PAP duly informed the management of Novena University that the Amnesty Programme office would not bear any liability for the affected students. Doing so would have amounted to encouraging sharp practices.

    “Therefore, the PAP could not have accepted responsibility and obligation where it had none. The affected Itsekiri graduates of Novena University that the Olu’s palace is intervening for, were never beneficiaries of the amnesty programme’s scholarship.

    “All the PAP administrations that preceded the current one headed by the Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, had seen the official report of the investigation and they respected the incontrovertible truth so established”.

    The statement said that Otuaro had expanded the PAP scholarship scheme in order to create more access to higher education for ex-agitators and beneficiaries, and aggressively bridge the human capital development gap in the Niger Delta.

    “His noble reforms and initiatives to ensure that the PAP renders efficient service to the people of the Niger Delta have been applauded in official quarters, as well as by all well-meaning individuals and organisations.

    “Dr Otuaro remains unwaveringly committed to deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate, especially through his policy of inclusivity, to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for the Niger Delta”, the statement said.

  • Don’t drag PAP into palace politics, Ijaw group tells Itsekiri

    Don’t drag PAP into palace politics, Ijaw group tells Itsekiri

    A socio-cultural organisation in the Niger Delta region, Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), has told Itsekiri stakeholders to stop their attempts to drag the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) into palace politics.

    The ICHC insisted that the PAP was designed from the beginning as a Niger Delta-wide peace instrument for development and security.

    The ICHC leader, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, said that the programme was never designed to serve the Itsekiri traditional institution or any other monarch in the Niger Delta.

    Kemepadei expressed concern over what he described as a misleading publication by one Shola Mese, who claimed that PAP under Dr. Dennis Otuaro was biased against Itsekiri.

    The group cautioned the likes of Mese, whom he identified as an aide to the Olu of Warri, to refrain from making statements that could distort the programme’s objectives in the region.

    Kemepadei noted that the Amnesty Programme was not created to serve the Itsekiri Traditional Rulers Council, nor founded as an appendage of the Olu of Warri to be remotely controlled through his appointed representative.

    He said ICHC was confident in the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, saying that since he assumed office, he had worked with diligence, inclusivity, and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said Otuaro’s track record of engaging stakeholders across ethnic divides and ensuring fairness in programme delivery stood as a testament to his capability and dedication to the beneficiaries.

    He explained that PAP was designed to address the needs of its documented 30,000 beneficiaries; delegates drawn from across the Niger Delta region, without ethnic or sectional bias.

    He said, “It is therefore inappropriate and unhelpful for any traditional authority through proxies like Dr. Mese to attempt to impose influence or create the perception that the PAP is subject to their directives.

    “The programme does not answer to the Itsekiri Palace, and its operational focus remains firmly on the empowerment, reintegration, and welfare of its registered beneficiaries across all Niger Delta communities.

    “We caution the Olu of Itsekiri and his proxies to refrain from actions or statements that could fan the embers of discord or present a distorted narrative about the PAP’s operations.

    “Such a path, if replicated by other traditional rulers, risks undermining the fragile peace and stability of the region; peace which is essential for governance, development, and even the effective administration of traditional domains.

    “We therefore urge His Majesty to respect the sanctity of his office and exercise the moral restraint befitting the honour and responsibility that comes with the revered Itsekiri throne”.

    Kemepadei explained that the era of disarmament under the PAP had long gone, and the Itsekiri people, like every other ethnic nationality, should understand the current stage of the programme.

    He said, “The current phase is reintegration for already documented beneficiaries, not an avenue to reopen old disarmament claims or alter established beneficiary lists.

    Read Also: Ijaw group warns stakeholders against misrepresentation of PAP’s mission

    “In addition, the ICHC vehemently condemns the recent remarks by Dr. Shola Mese, who has attempted to mislead the public by suggesting that the PAP under Dr. Dennis Otuaro is skewed against the Itsekiri people.

    “Such claims are not only false but are calculated to stir unnecessary ethnic tension. While Dr. Mese claims to have been involved in the disarmament phase years ago, that era is over.

    “The PAP is now in its reintegration phase, which operates strictly on the basis of the existing list of beneficiaries, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and others alike, without room for ethnic favouritism, blackmail or political manipulation.

    “We remind Dr. Mese that his appointment as Sole Itsekiri Representative to the PAP Office in 2024, courtesy of the Olu of Itsekiris’ recommendation, does not confer authority to dictate programme policy or undermine the Administrator, the PAP can never answer to the palace.”

  • Ijaw group warns stakeholders against misrepresentation of PAP’s mission

    Ijaw group warns stakeholders against misrepresentation of PAP’s mission

    …says scheme created without bias towards ethnicity

    …reaffirms support for Otuaro’s leadership

    Socio-cultural crusaders in the Niger Delta, the Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), have cautioned some stakeholders in the region against misrepresenting the mission and vision of establishing the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

    The coordinator, ICHC, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, on Wednesday, issued this statement against the backdrop of comments made by a certain official purportedly representing the Olu of Itsekiri in the PAP.

    The ICHC boss asserted that the PAP was established as a federal initiative aimed at addressing the needs of its documented 30,000 beneficiaries from the region, and not to cater to the interests of any traditional rulers or their councils.

    He said the Amnesty Programme is intended for the empowerment, reintegration, and welfare of beneficiaries from various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta, without favouritism or bias towards any particular group.

    He said the ICHC is strongly opposed to any attempts to suggest that the PAP operates under the influence of the Itsekiri traditional authorities.

    Kemepadei emphasised that the programme is independent and should not be subjected to directives from any monarch’s palace.

    He urged monarchs and their representatives to avoid statements that could incite discord or spread misinformation about the PAP.

    He highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability within the region, which, according to the group, is crucial for governance and development.

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

    Kemepadei reminded all stakeholders that the focus of the PAP had shifted from disarmament to reintegration, asserting that the Itsekiri community, like all other ethnicities, must understand this shift, and any prior claims for disarmament cannot be revisited.

    The ICHC boss advised monarchs to uphold the dignity of their offices and act with the integrity expected of their thrones, suggesting that if any monarch seeks to become involved in the PAP as former militants, they should pursue reconciliation through appropriate channels with their state governments.

    The statement noted, “The ICHC strongly condemns the recent remarks by the Itsekiri Council’s representative, who has attempted to mislead the public by suggesting that the PAP under Dr. Dennis Otuaro is skewed against the Itsekiri people.

    “Such claims are not only false but are calculated to stir unnecessary ethnic tension. While the representative claimed he had been involved in the disarmament phase years ago, he should know that that era is over.

    “The PAP is now in its reintegration phase, which operates strictly based on the existing list of beneficiaries, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and others alike, without room for ethnic favouritism, blackmail or political manipulation.

    “We remind him that his appointment as sole Itsekiri representative to the PAP Office in 2024, courtesy of the Olu of Itsekiri’s recommendation, does not confer authority on him to dictate programme policy or undermine the Administrator, as the PAP cannot answer to the palace.

    “The PAP is a Niger Delta-wide peace instrument, not an ethnic bargaining chip for palace politics.”

    Kemepadei reiterated the ICHC’s full confidence in the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, who, since assuming office, had worked with diligence, inclusivity, and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He noted, “His (Otuaro’s) track record of engaging stakeholders across ethnic divides, and ensuring fairness in programme delivery stands as a testament to his capability and dedication to the beneficiaries.

    “Let it be known: the PAP belongs to the entire Niger Delta, not the Itsekiri people and its continuity and success demand unity, not division.”

  • 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.”

  • Otuaro performing well, making progress at PAP – Okporoko

    Otuaro performing well, making progress at PAP – Okporoko

    Executive Assistant, Security Matters To Delta Governor,  Amb. Chief Godwin Okporoko, has commended the laudable  performance and achievements being made by the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro.

    Okporoko, speaking to Journalists on Saturday in Warri, Delta State, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Otuaro, adding that Otuaro has sanitised the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

     According to him: “ Personally, I have been paying attention to happenings in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and I can say that President Tinubu appointed the right man ( Dennis Otuaro) as the Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme. Immediately he was appointed, his first assignment was the engagement of Amnesty stakeholders to brainstorm on how to take the programme to the next level”

    Okporoko, a prominent Urhobo leader, said: “ During the engagements, the Amnesty stakeholders had the opportunity to put forward their complaints, challenges and provided suggestions. However,  Dennis Otuaro restored their hope and confidence and promised to address all issues raised, that is how to know a true leader

     ” The information I have indicated that Otuaro has resolved the issue of delayed payments of stipends to beneficiaries, and  restored excluded beneficiaries and also paying  Contractors and vendors timely. 

    ” Dennis Otuaro instilled transparency in the financial management, prompt payment of Scholarship funds for beneficiaries to various  Tertiary Institutions. He is also distributing learning materials to beneficiaries. 

    “ The Administrator has succeeded in ensuring that Amnesty beneficiaries in Niger Delta keyed into the “ Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is why there is peace in the Niger Delta region.”

    Okporoko, also the  President General, Owahwa Sub-Clan, OML34, Ughievwen Kingdom, Ughelli South LGA, Delta State,  thanked Otuaro for mobilizing the Amnesty beneficiaries and stakeholders in Niger Delta for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

    He urged President Tinubu and National Security Adviser NSA to continue giving the necessary support to Otuaro for showing  capacity and competence in managing the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

    “ I can also confirm that Dr. Dennis Otuaro is collaborating and working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, government institutions, and stakeholders in ensuring that the prevailing peace and security in Niger Delta is sustained “

  • 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.”

  • PAP begins distribution of laptops to scholarship students

    PAP begins distribution of laptops to scholarship students

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has commenced the distribution of laptops to final year and post-graduate students under its scholarship scheme in partnering universities across the country.

    PAP said 64 scholarship beneficiaries comprising 25 students from Nile University and 39 from Baze University, were presented with their laptops in the first phase of the distribution.

    Speaking at the presentation ceremonies at Nile and Baze universities, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, said that the gesture was in fulfillment of his promise to the scholarship beneficiaries during his tour of partnering institutions in 2024.

    Otuaro in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, said the office recognised the usefulness of the mobile computing device to the students’ academic success, especially as they prepared to write their final year projects, thesis and dissertations.

    Otuaro, who was represented at the events by Ebikpolade Zorab, PAP’s acting Head of Administration, and Ebimene Jackson, Secretary to the PAP Boss, urged the scholars to make good use of the laptops and justify the objective behind the gesture.

    Addressing the students, he said: “You are the first set of PAP scholarship students that are receiving these laptops, and we will also extend this (distribution) to other beneficiaries in other institutions that we are partnering with.

    “I advise and encourage you to make good use of it for your academic progress. With these laptops, if you were to make a low grade in your project, we expect that you will score excellent grades because you now have portable computers to enhance your academic endeavours.”

    Otuaro reiterated his leadership’s unwavering commitment to closing the human capital development gap in the Niger Delta, while working to ensure sustainable peace, security, stability and development in the region.

    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strong support for the PAP and also backing the educational, vocational and other initiatives of the programme to achieve its mandate for the Niger Delta under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Earlier, the Head of Education, PAP, Dr Charles Ariye, said that scholarship beneficiaries had not received laptops in the past six years, adding that the office is interested in enhancing the digital literacy of its students.

    “We are in a digital age. You are doing a lot with your phones, and with your laptop, you can do more. This effort is also aimed at aligning with the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s mandate to provide quality university education”, he said.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: PAP warns ex-agitators involvement

    The registrar of Nile University, David Olowola, and his counterpart at the Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, during courtesy visits to them by the PAP officials, commended the Administrator for deeming it necessary to provide laptops to the scholarship students to facilitate their academics.

    They also stated the desire of their institutions to continually partner with the programme to develop the requisite manpower for national development and advancement.

    Some beneficiaries of the laptops, including the leaders of PAP scholarship students in the two universities, Eperetun Gboroteiye (Nile) and Pedro Timotubo (Baze), as well as Oyinlayefa Ogiriki, Mina Ikiba, Friday Dunu and Martha Tuwabere, thanked the PAP helmsman for the personal computers (PC), saying it would help them a great deal in their programmes.

  • Alleged fund misappropriation against PAP boss Otuaro politically motivated — Ex-militant leaders

    Alleged fund misappropriation against PAP boss Otuaro politically motivated — Ex-militant leaders

    Two ex-militant groups -the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators and the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Peace Movement Forum- have described a recent online publication against the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaru, as baseless and politically motivated.

    The publication on Saturday, February 8, 2025 titled ‘Ex-militants petition EFCC over alleged misappropriation’, claimed that Otuaro was misappropriating funds meant for the amnesty programme.

    But, a statement in Yenagoa jointly signed by Comrade Aso Tambou, National Leader of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators and Comrade John Esuku, National  President of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Peace Movement Forum, said those behind the so-called petition were a faceless group.

    The statement said the use of the picture of Comrade John Esuku in the publication was with the intention to discredit him and also cause disaffection between him and Otuaro.

    The statement asserted that the allegations against Otuaro were baseless, frivolous and unsubstantiated, and therefore enjoined the general public to discountenance them.

    The statement read in part: “However, these allegations are not only false, but appear to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish Otuaro’s image and undermine the progress made so far by the amnesty initiative.

    “Contrary to the claims made in their petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), there is no evidence to suggest that funds allocated to the PAP have been misused. 

    “The accusations of contract awards to ‘moribund companies’ lack factual backing and seem to be politically motivated, orchestrated by individuals who seek to derail the ongoing development efforts in the Niger Delta.

    “It is important to note that the PAP, under the leadership of Dr. Otuaro has remained committed to its mandate of rehabilitating and reintegrating ex-agitators, ensuring transparency in its operations. 

    “The attempt to discredit his leadership comes at a time when significant strides have been made in empowering former militants and promoting peace in the region.”

    The statement noted that if there were any genuine concerns regarding the programme, due process should have been followed in addressing them rather than resorting to media trials and threats of protests.

    “Chief Dennis Otuaro remains focused on his responsibilities and will not be distracted by unfounded accusations. Any calls for investigation should be based on verifiable facts rather than mere speculation and politically driven agendas,” the statement advised.