By Our Correspondent
National News – Niger Delta ex-agitators have frowned at the endless attacks against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, and his associates, calling on the masterminds to desist from what they described as deliberate campaigns aimed at tarnishing the image of respected leaders of the region.
The ex-agitators made the call following a recent media attack against Otuaro, his Technical Adviser, Edgar Daniel, and the Chairman of Maton Engineering, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, by some unknown individuals operating under the guise of the NDW.
The faceless group had accused Otuaro, Edgar and Tonlagha of fraud running into billions of Naira, urging the Federal Government to probe the allegations and sack the PAP boss.
However, reacting swiftly to the allegations, the ex-agitators under the aegis of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEF) described the publication as the height of the “pull-him-down syndrome” which they said has continued to hinder the progress and unity of the Niger Delta region.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Convener of the group, self-styled General Emma Satu, said they are deeply unhappy with the sustained campaigns of calumny against the PAP administrator, stressing that such actions discourage committed leaders who have sacrificed greatly for the development of the region.
According to Satu, it is unfortunate that individuals who should be supporting the ongoing peace and empowerment initiatives in the Niger Delta are instead sponsoring blackmail and character assassination against leaders who are working tirelessly for the betterment of ex-agitators and the larger society.
He stated that since Otuaro assumed office as PAP Administrator, the programme has witnessed remarkable transformation through strategic empowerment schemes, educational support, vocational trainings, scholarship opportunities and human capital development initiatives targeted at improving the lives of ex-agitators and youths across the Niger Delta.
Satu maintained that many beneficiaries of the programme can attest to the visible improvements introduced under Otuaro’s leadership, adding that the current PAP administration has restored hope to thousands of former agitators who had previously felt neglected.
He further noted that Otuaro’s administration has prioritized peace-building, dialogue, rehabilitation and economic inclusion, thereby strengthening stability across the oil-rich region.
The NDEF convener argued that instead of appreciating the PAP boss for his commitment and sacrifices, some desperate individuals have continued to sponsor malicious reports against him and other notable Niger Delta leaders for selfish political and economic interests.
He said if the only reward for Otuaro’s dedication and selfless service to the people of the Niger Delta is endless media attacks and false accusations, then it raises serious concerns about the sincerity of those claiming to fight for the region.
According to him, “While these confused faceless people are doing this against Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro and Matthew Tonlagha, it will surprise you to know that Jude Gbaboyor, Shoot-at-Sight, Boyloaf and their cronies are on the other side dragging Tompolo, Tonlagha, Kestin Pondi and Otuaro; sponsoring despicable things against them in every media platform.”
“The question I want to ask is this: What did Otuaro, Tompolo and Tonlagha do to deserve this endless wickedness against them?”
Satu described Otuaro as one of the most impactful administrators the Presidential Amnesty Programme has had since its establishment in 2009, insisting that the current leadership of the programme has brought renewed confidence and transparency to the system.
“For the records, Otuaro is the best PAP Administrator since the programme was initiated in 2009,” he declared.
“Even as we speak, he just sent a fresh batch of Niger Delta students to the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies. This is somebody who is investing in the future of the region through education and empowerment.”
He also commended Otuaro for sustaining the vision of the Presidential Amnesty Programme by ensuring continuous engagement with stakeholders, ex-agitators and community leaders across the Niger Delta.
The group therefore called on security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate those behind what it described as coordinated smear campaigns against leaders of the region, warning that such actions could undermine the peace process and developmental gains recorded in the Niger Delta.
They equally urged Niger Delta youths and stakeholders not to allow themselves to be used by disgruntled elements to destabilize the region or discredit individuals who are contributing positively to the growth and development of the Niger Delta.
The ex-agitators reaffirmed their support for Otuaro and pledged to continue defending leaders they believe are genuinely committed to the advancement of the Niger Delta people.
