Amnesty Programme: N’Delta Youth Groups Pass Vote of Confidence in Otuaro

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
 

Youth groups in the Nigeria Delta have passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), and appealed to detractors to allow its Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro to continue providing purposeful leadership to the people of the oil-rich region.                                 

They made the appeal in Abuja, yesterday at a press conference which was addressed by the Chairman of the Green Assembly Initiative, Olamboye Duke; representatives of Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), and unemployed youths, among others.     

Olamboye stated: “The Green Assembly Initiative and youths of the Niger Delta commend Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme(PAP), for the remarkable and calm strides he has made since assuming office. 

“Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has revitalised the PAP, bringing impactful reforms and development to the Niger Delta region.

“Under his administration, there has been significant progress in skill acquisition, entrepreneurship development, and scholarship opportunities for ex-agitators and youth in the region.

“His commitment to fostering peace and stability is evident in his strategic efforts to enhance reintegration programs and ensure transparency and the core values in the amnesty’s operations.

“Dr. Otuaro has successfully streamlined the PAP’s budget, redirecting resources toward impactful initiatives that empower beneficiaries and reduce dependency on stipends.

“His emphasis on education and vocational training has equipped numerous youth with skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“While we celebrate these achievements, it is important to acknowledge the challenges he faces.”

He stated that some elements desirous of sustaining the status quo where majority of the people of the region were alienated in the empowerment programmes of PAP, aim to derail his focus and progress with baseless allegations and divisive tactics, name- calling, cyber stalking, and pursuing self aggrandisement. 

“We urge Dr. Otuaro to remain steadfast, knowing that his work has the overwhelming support of the Niger Delta community and Nigerians at large.

“The Green Assembly Initiative and other youth organisations stand firmly behind Dr. Otuaro and his team. 

“We encourage him to stay true to his vision, avoiding distractions from those who do not wish him and the Amnesty program well. His success is pivotal to the region’s peace and prosperity, as well as the advancement of Nigeria as a whole.

“We also want to thank Tantita, other organisations and individuals for the overwhelming support, calling on all stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians to support Dr. Otuaro in his mission to deliver a transformed Niger Delta through sustainable development and peacebuilding,” he said.                 

Also lending support to the youth groups, the President, Yoruba Council, OladotunHassan stated that Otuaro’s detractors should rather applaud the PAP Coordinator’s purposeful leadership which he said,  has for the first time, seen the collaboration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Tantita and PAP. 

The collaboration, he stated, had led to the current increased oil production.

According to him,  since the creation of PAP,  it was the leadership of Otuaro had led to unprecedented calm among agitators who frequently stormed Abuja protesting for one demand or another in the past.