The Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI) has strongly condemned the recent allegations of marginalisation claimed by the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Advocacy Council against the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP) under the leadership of High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Ph.D. These accusations are not only misguided but also fail to acknowledge the significant progress recorded under his stewardship within the past year.
According to Hosea T. Ebikontei, Coordinator of MRAI, and Bomi Stanley, Secretary of MRAI, it is imperative that individuals and groups engaging in public discourse conduct thorough investigations before making baseless claims. They emphasised that Dr. Otuaro has demonstrated unwavering commitment to inclusive development, and his tenure has been marked by notable strides in ensuring the equitable distribution of resources among all Niger Delta communities.
It is on that premise that MRAI highlighted some of the visibly impactful achievements of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro in One Year
1. Consistent engagement with leadership at all levels within the programme.
2. Deployment of 98 delegates for a maritime training programme.
3. Deployment of 38 delegates for an aircraft engineering programme.
4. Deployment of 4 delegates for a pilot training programme.
5. Deployment of over 2,000 students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, both onshore and offshore.
6. Restoration and payment of delisted beneficiaries.
7. Restructuring the programme to align with its original purpose and vision.
Ebikontei and Stanley stressed that the allegations of exclusion made by the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Advocacy Council lack credible evidence and serve only to undermine the substantial efforts being made to address the historical grievances of the region. Furthermore, the call for protests without first engaging in meaningful dialogue raises serious concerns about the true intent behind these claims.
The Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI) is fully aware of the individuals behind these allegations, who are driven solely by selfish interests. “We will not tolerate any attempts to misrepresent facts, incite unnecessary unrest, or sabotage the gains achieved under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership,” Ebikontei stated. Any further propagation of falsehoods against the PAP or its leadership, he warned, will be greeted with strong resistance from well-meaning stakeholders of the Niger Delta.
The call to action should not be one of division but of collective engagement for the betterment of the region. The MRAI therefore urges the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Advocacy Council to retract its baseless allegations and focus on meaningful collaboration that will yield tangible benefits for the people they claim to represent.
“Leadership should be acknowledged when it is genuinely working for the people, and in this case, Dr. Otuaro’s tenure stands as a testament to impactful governance,” Bomi Stanley noted.
They further pointed out that Dr. Otuaro’s administration has done exceptionally well for Ondo State, with Ondo indigenes occupying key positions within the PAP. “The term ‘marginalisation’ is a serious one and should only be used where it is truly warranted,” the MRAI leadership added.
