Niger Delta Traditional Rulers Praise Otuaro’s Leadership in Expanding Amnesty Programme

Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), held an extended stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers from the Niger Delta on Monday in Warri, Delta State. During the gathering, Otuaro expressed gratitude for their support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and provided updates on ongoing reforms within the amnesty programme.

He emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to brief traditional rulers key stakeholders in the amnesty programme on the federal government’s peace initiatives in the Niger Delta. Otuaro conveyed greetings from President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to the monarchs, thanking them for their continued backing.

The PAP chief outlined that the engagement included traditional rulers, opinion leaders, women’s groups, youth organizations, community leaders, elders, and camp leaders, all aimed at maintaining peace and enhancing stability in the region. He praised the traditional rulers for their cooperation thus far and called for their continued support.

Otuaro reiterated that the amnesty programme covers a broad range of initiatives, including educational scholarships, vocational training, and grants or loans. He emphasized that traditional rulers and other key interest groups play a vital role in the success of the programme and that their involvement is crucial moving forward.

He also announced plans to expand the programme to include more beneficiaries, particularly from underrepresented groups like traditional rulers, women’s groups, elders, and youth bodies, in addition to the 30,000 participants already enrolled. The federal government, he added, is focused on disarming youth militias by retrieving small firearms and incorporating them into the amnesty programme to secure lasting peace in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.

In response, Pere SP Luke, the Kalanama VIII of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom, commended Otuaro’s reform initiatives, praising his efforts to realign the amnesty programme with its core objectives. HRM King Joseph Timiyan, the Ibenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Council, described Otuaro as one of the most effective coordinators the programme has had since its inception.

HRM Justice F.F. Tabai, the Ibenanaowei of Tuomo Kingdom, encouraged Otuaro to prioritize education, particularly the scholarship component of the programme, as a means of reintegrating ex-agitators into society. He also urged the PAP boss to keep traditional rulers closely involved in the programme’s operations, assuring Otuaro of their continued support.

In a heartwarming moment, the traditional rulers surprised Otuaro by singing “Happy Birthday” to mark his birthday, which coincided with the meeting, much to the delight of the celebrant.