By Daystar Reuben
National News— Niger Delta ex-agitators have commended the Sole Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dennis Otuaro, for what they described as purposeful and impactful leadership two years after assuming office.
The group, under the aegis of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, said Otuaro’s administration has brought renewed stability, empowerment and hope to beneficiaries of the programme and communities across the Niger Delta region.
Speaking in a statement on Saturday, the Convener of the forum, self-styled General Emmanuel Satu, congratulated Otuaro on his two years in office, noting that his leadership has significantly improved the welfare of ex-agitators and strengthened engagement with host communities.
According to Satu, the impact of Otuaro’s stewardship is visible in several areas, including scholarship opportunities, leadership training initiatives, stakeholder engagement and empowerment programmes aimed at improving livelihoods across the region.
He also noted that the timely payment of stipends to beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme has helped maintain peace and stability in the Niger Delta, contrasting it with previous years when delays often triggered protests.
“Before now, ex-agitators frequently blocked the East-West Road over unpaid stipends and other benefits. But under Otuaro’s leadership, nothing of such has happened,” Satu stated.
The group described the PAP administrator as a focused leader who understands the pains and aspirations of the Niger Delta people, adding that his policies have restored confidence among former agitators and other stakeholders.
While applauding the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Otuaro, the forum urged the president not to be swayed by what it called “blackmail and propaganda” against the PAP leadership.
Satu maintained that the achievements recorded by the programme under Otuaro are evident across the nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta, stressing that beneficiaries and communities continue to testify to the positive impact of his leadership.
“Today, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the sole administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) is two years in office, and we want to thank him and congratulate him for his purposeful and impactful leadership that cuts across the Niger Delta. By that, I mean all the ex-agitators, the impacted communities and every Niger Deltan.”
“Otuaro is doing well, and we are therefore saying thank you to him for every life he has touched, for the families he has given hope to, and the communities he has transformed. We are grateful.”
“We, the Niger Delta Ex-agitators, are urging President Bola Tinubu not to listen to those blackmailers and those who engage in propaganda against the good works of Dr. Dennis Otuaro. We want Mr. President to understand that Otuaro is working well, and also promoting his government.”
“There are uncountable testimonies of Otuaro’s good leadership, both from us the ex-agitators and others who are not from the struggle platform. Different testimonies in the area of scholarship, leadership training, stakeholders engagement, empowerment and timely payment of ex-agitators.”
“The man is focused and purpose-driven. And we want to thank the president for appointing a man who understands our pains and yearnings to occupy the PAP office as sole administrator,” he said.
He further called on the PAP administrator to sustain the momentum and expand programmes that promote development, empowerment and long-term peace in the oil-rich region.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme was established to reintegrate former militants and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta through training, education and empowerment initiatives.
