Ex-agitators back PAP administrator, urge FG on sustenance

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum has reaffirmed its support for Dennis Otuaro, administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), and called on the Federal Government to sustain the programme.

The group, in a statement made available to BusinessDaySunday in Port Harcourt, praised Otuaro in his efforts and commitment towards shaping the future of the Niger Delta region.

Emma Satu, leader of the group, noted that the educational, empowerment and several people-oriented initiatives being carried out by the Otuaro-led Amnesty Office are aimed at improving the lives of the people.

Satu said ex-agitators are satisfied with Otuaro’s leadership and track record in office, insisting that his achievements and programmes have continued to bring hope and opportunities to many Niger Deltans.

He called for more support from stakeholders in the region, urging all ex-agitators and other concerned sons and daughters of the region to support Otuaro with ideas to further transform PAP.

“Otuaro is still working in the Niger Delta through the Amnesty Office to shape the future of the region through education, empowerment and other initiatives, and we want every stakeholder to be patient with him and also give him the necessary support to continue to succeed and deliver,” he said.

He enumerated some of Otuaro’s achievements such as continued scholarship opportunities for students from the Niger Delta, vocational training and skills acquisition programmes for ex-agitators and youths and empowerment initiatives to make beneficiaries become self-reliant.

Others are increased engagement with stakeholders and ex-agitator groups across the region, promotion of peace and stability in the Niger Delta and support for human capital development and youth-focused programmes amongst others.

Satu said Otuaro has embarked on efforts to sustain the objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, improve coordination of rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, encouraged youths to embrace peace and lawful means of livelihood, and continued advocacy for development and progress across the region.

According to him, “Otuaro has the interest of every ex-agitator at heart” and his vision is to ensure that ex-militants are equipped and empowered to uplift others in their families and communities, adding that the administrator remains on the right track.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Niger Delta people to remain steadfast in their support for Otuaro and allow him more time to continue his work in the Amnesty Office.

“His track record speaks for him. So, we are appealing to the Niger Delta ex-agitators and the Federal Government to remain steadfast with Otuaro because we are happy with what he is doing,” he stated.

He also said that Otuaro was still working and needed more time to do more for the people of the region through the Amnesty Programme.

The forum also reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s administration while pledging continued commitment to peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.