We Are Giving Presidential Amnesty Programme Human Face – Otuaro
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the programme into a more impactful initiative aimed at developing the people of the Niger Delta beyond the monthly N65,000 stipends for ex-agitators.
Otuaro made this known during a closed-door meeting in Yenagoa on Saturday with leaders of ex-agitators from Bayelsa State, led by His Royal Highness, Selky Kile Torughedi, alias General Young Shall Grow, with the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri, also in attendance.
According to a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, the PAP boss emphasized that his leadership embarked on immediate reforms to ensure that the programme makes a lasting impact.
“As soon as my leadership came on board, we started our reforms to add value to the programme beyond the monthly N65,000 stipends paid to the ex-agitators. If we don’t add value to the programme, then we will not be developing the future of our people,” Otuaro stated.
READ ALSO: Otuaro & Chief (Mrs.) Ebimoboere Otuaro Hail Pondi as a Pillar of Hope and Progress on Birthday
He highlighted that his efforts have been bolstered by the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who understands the peculiar challenges of the Niger Delta and is committed to doing more for the region. He called for unity among the Ijaw people and the entire Niger Delta, stressing that only through solidarity can they attract further development opportunities.
“My concern is that we must give the programme a human face so that tomorrow it will actually be seen to have made an impact on the people and helped them.”
He further disclosed that the PAP trained 98 beneficiaries in maritime skills last year, while four pilot trainees completed their training in South Africa. Additionally, 45 persons undergoing aviation engineering training in Lagos are set to graduate in March 2025.
Speaking on the deployment of scholarship beneficiaries for the 2024/2025 academic session, Otuaro assured stakeholders of a thorough and transparent process, increasing the number of beneficiaries from 1,700 to 2,500. He vowed to prevent any attempts to hijack the scheme.
The PAP administrator also announced plans for an economic empowerment programme for women in the region and leadership training for ex-agitators’ leaders and other key stakeholders in the coming months.
“We must ensure that we develop our people, especially now that we have a President who understands our problems and has been supporting the programme massively. The president will do more if we are united. We must be united, but if we are not, nobody will take us seriously.”
In their remarks, Paul Eris, alias General Ogunboss; Bony Ayah, alias General Don Inikio, who is a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly; and Jonathan Lokpobiri commended Otuaro for repositioning the PAP and urged all stakeholders to rally behind him.
They also lauded the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, describing his dedication to the liberation of the Niger Delta as unwavering.
Among those present at the meeting were General Africa Ukparasia, General Pius, General Darikoro, Elaye Slabo, Iziri Lucky alias General Lucky 7, Hon. Gibson, and other notable figures.
©Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters
