One of the leading socio-cultural organisations, the Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders (NDRC) has thrown all its weights in support of the Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro Ph.D and his productive programmes in the Niger Delta.
This compassionately strong nod for the PAP Boss was stated in a press statement and made available to our correspondent and read in full below:
PRESS RELEASE
NIGER DELTA REVOLUTIONARY CRUSADERS (NDRC) STANDS FIRMLY BEHIND DR. DENNIS OTUARU, Ph.D, AND THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME
The Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders (NDRC) in a press release said the group has observed with great concern the recent wave of attacks, damaging criticisms, and false allegations targeted at Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The group stated that these malicious campaigns, orchestrated by a select few individuals and groups within the Niger Delta region, are nothing but cheap blackmail aimed at misleading the public and advancing their personal interests, greed, and evil machinations.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, WO I Izon-Ebi and made available to the press, the group maintained that since assuming leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Otuaro has injected a fresh perspective, demonstrated unwavering commitment to delivering on the programme’s mandate and provided exemplary leadership to the Niger Delta region. The group emphasized that his efforts to reposition the programme with professionalism and administrative excellence have been widely acknowledged.
However, the NDRC stated that, “it is disheartening to note that these achievements have been met with unwarranted attacks from those who seek to dislodge him, incite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack him and replace him with individuals who would serve their self-seeking interests”.
According to the militant group, “It is important to state clearly that these attacks do not represent the views or interests of the majority of Niger Deltans. Rather, they are the tactics of a few individuals, particularly from the Ijaw extraction, who are notorious for organizing protests, spreading campaigns of calumny and petitioning against their leaders. These crude and pedestrian tactics, often deployed for political demands, have historically been counterproductive and have portrayed the region in a negative light, suggesting a lack of political maturity”.
The group further stressed that, “to these individuals and groups, no leader from the region has ever been deemed worthy of their support. Metaphorically speaking, not even Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would be spared their criticisms if He were to occupy such a position. Their relentless media campaigns against Ijaw leaders in Federal positions are nothing but attempts to tarnish the reputation of those who are genuinely working for the progress of the Niger Delta”.
The NDRC said, having closely monitored these developments, wishes to state unequivocally that we are satisfied with the trajectory of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, noting that his achievements, activities and programmes have been commendable, and urged the Presidency to ignore the distractions being orchestrated by these individuals and groups. The group averred that the actions of these individuals are aimed at frustrating the programme and thwarting the intentions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to bring lasting peace to the region, increase oil production and foster overall economic growth for the nation and the Niger Delta in particular.
The NDRC, while highlighting his achievements, said, this is the first time an Administration would bring in a renewed sense of professionalism to the management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, ensuring transparency and efficiency in its operations. The group stated that, the programme under his leadership has implemented numerous empowerment initiatives aimed at equipping Niger Deltans with skills and resources for sustainable livelihoods including restoring its lost glory. He has successfully implemented the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship initiative, the single largest deployment in the history of the programme, which cuts across the region.
In the area of peacebuilding efforts, the NDRC maintained that Otuaro has worked tirelessly to foster peace and stability in the region, creating an enabling environment for economic growth and development of particular reference is the stakeholders engagement where, according to the group, Otuaro has consistently engaged with stakeholders across the region to ensure that the programme’s activities align with the needs and aspirations of the people.
The NDRC therefore calls on all well-meaning Niger Deltans and the general public to disregard the falsehoods and negativity being spread by these individuals and groups. According to them, “we are using this medium to reaffirm our support for Dr. Otuaro and the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast in his commitment to the region’s development”.
Furthermore, the NDRC believes that supporting President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is in the best interest of the Niger Delta region. This will consolidate his Renewed Hope Agenda and ensure the continued success of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the capable leadership of Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
The NDRC remains committed to the peace, progress and development of the Niger Delta region and will continue to support leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.
