IPDI Condemns Baseless Attacks on Otuaro

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has issued a stern warning to those attacking the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro. The IPDI described the attackers, operating under the guise of the Project Niger Delta (PND), as “unpopular, unfounded, mischievous and barbaric”

Reacting to the attacks, IPDI’s National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, labeled the PND as a “non-existent faceless parochial group.” The IPDI condemned the group’s attempts to undermine Otuaro, who has the backing of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Professor Benjamin Okaba.

Austin’s statement emphasised that those attacking Dr. Otuaro are “agents of darkness” whose opinions do not represent the Ijaw nation. He asserted that Otuaro remains undeterred and committed to transforming the amnesty programme for the benefit of the Niger Delta region. Austin urges detractors to cease their attacks and support Otuaro’s efforts to build a lasting legacy for the PAP.

The IPDI praised Otuaro for his reforms and innovations in the amnesty programme; criticising PND’s statements as “misleading” and “unfortunate.” They maintained that Okaba’s endorsement of Otuaro was a testament to his leadership and commitment to the PAP. The group warned that the PND’s actions were driven by armchair thoughts and a desire to incite division.

The IPDI reiterated its support for Dr. Otuaro, condemning any further attacks and threatening to expose the identities of the attackers. They dismissed claims that some Ijaw leaders were oppressing others, commending these leaders for their contributions to the Niger Delta struggle.

The statement concluded by asserting Otuaro’s legitimacy as the PAP administrator, emphasising that his appointment was endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser. The IPDI urges the public to disregard PND’s provocations and affirmed their unwavering support for Dr. Otuaro.