Dr. Tidi Calls for Unity to Support Otuaro's Commitment to Regional Stability and Development in the N'Delta

Dr. Tidi Calls for Unity to Support Otuaro's Commitment to Regional Stability and Development in the N'Delta

In the words of Ken Saro-Wiwa, “The struggle for our rights is the struggle for our humanity.” This profound insight resonates deeply with the current situation surrounding Dr. Dennis Otuaro, who faces unwarranted calls for his removal as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). These demands overlook the substantial contributions Otuaro has made toward promoting peace, stability, and development in the Niger Delta. It is essential to defend his leadership and encourage President Tinubu to dismiss these baseless calls.

Otuaro’s dedication to the Niger Delta is unwavering. His focus on fostering collaboration with key stakeholders demonstrates his commitment to regional inclusivity and stability. Under his leadership, the PAP has made significant strides in overcoming challenges and advancing its goals.

As the first core Deltan—one who actively participated in the region’s struggle for rights—to hold this esteemed position, Otuaro’s leadership reflects not only the capability of the Niger Delta people but also a beacon of hope for the region’s future. His achievements speak to the importance of continued progress under his stewardship. For the first time since Otuaro took over, groups such as the Itsekiri, Urhobo—where the writer hail from—Isoko, and Kwale are experiencing a newfound sense of belonging, alongside the Ijaw community.

Otuaro’s administration has been instrumental in restoring peace to the Niger Delta. Through proactive engagement with traditional rulers, state governors, youth organizations, and former leaders of the region’s struggle, he has fostered a spirit of dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, violent incidents in the Niger Delta have decreased by approximately 40% since Otuaro took office, leading to an improved quality of life for residents and a more stable environment conducive to investment and development.

One of the most tangible outcomes of Otuaro’s efforts is the increase in oil production, a critical element of Nigeria’s economy. Under his leadership, oil output has risen from 1.5 million to 1.7 million barrels per day, a 13% increase. This boost has significantly contributed to government revenue, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reporting an additional $3.5 billion in revenue attributed to this increase, supporting vital national development initiatives.

Otuaro has also prioritized resolving critical issues such as the backlog of stipends for amnesty students, both in Nigeria and abroad. In the last quarter alone, over 2,000 stipends were disbursed, allowing students to focus on their education without financial worry. A report by the PAP indicated that 85% of beneficiaries were able to complete their courses successfully, showcasing Otuaro’s commitment to fostering long-term stability in the Niger Delta through education.

Calls for Otuaro’s removal are often driven by political maneuvering or personal grievances rather than an objective evaluation of his performance. Such actions threaten the progress achieved under his leadership and risk destabilizing the system. It is vital to reject these baseless demands and continue supporting his administration’s efforts.

Isaac Adaka Boro once stated, “The struggle for our rights is not just a fight for the land, but for the dignity of our people and the preservation of our culture. Together, we can forge a path toward justice and equality.” This statement embodies the essence of unity in our pursuit of development and rights for the Niger Delta. Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s recent visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan underscores his commitment to fulfilling the PAP’s mandate. By consulting with key stakeholders like Jonathan, Otuaro is building on the original vision of the amnesty program, further promoting regional stability and development in the Niger Delta.

In light of these accomplishments, it is crucial that President Tinubu continues to support Otuaro’s leadership. His dedication to regional development and stability has yielded tangible results, and his inclusive approach promises continued progress for the Niger Delta. As prominent figures such as AnnKio Briggs and Ibiba Don-Pedro rally behind him, it is clear that the future of the region is brighter under Otuaro’s stewardship.

Now more than ever, we must stand united in support of Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Niger Delta. Together, we can ensure the region’s stability and foster peace and economic growth for all.

Dr. Tidi, Former Chairman, Warri South Council (2018 - 2024), writes from Warri.

How Southern Politicians Exchange Region's Development for a Plate of Porridge to the North_Ahmed Sanni Yerima(Former Governor, Zamfara State)

How Southern Politicians Exchange Region's Development for a Plate of Porridge to the North_Ahmed Sanni Yerima(Former Governor, Zamfara State)

You must understand something, all Southern politicians are driven by untold degree of selfishness. While in office, they are all aspiring for the next office. The strategy to get on the ladder is to sacrifice their people, their towns and villages and their region. They do everything possible to please the Hausa Fulani Northerners in order to be favoured. We can go back a little to pull out some examples.

(1). Governor Peter Odili wanted to run for presidency, he squandered River State money on Northern Emirs and Northern Opinion leaders. At the end, he failed.

(2). General Olusegun Obasanjo held up all development programmes in the South and promoted infrastructure development in the North in order to get the 3rd term agenda through. At the end, he failed.

(3). James Ibori wanted to be a Vice President to President Yar’dua, in place of Jonathan. Delta State Liaison office in Abuja, became an ATM for all the Northern PDP members. At the end, not only did he fail, he was sent to prison.

(4). Jonathan Goodluck postponed South South development to his anticipated second tenure and put in all resources to the rehabilitation of the Almajiris, Emirs Palace from Sokoto to Maiduguri. Built Abuja-Kaduna Rail line when Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was impassable, East-West Road was a mere historical concept; built and completed Federal Universities in Katsina, Jigawa, etc but did foundation ground breaking for the the Federal University in Bayelsa. At the end, he was sent out of the Villa by the Northern INEC Chairman he appointed.

(5). Under Jonathan, the then Minister for Aviation, Stella Odua, funded in full, the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Kano, Sokoto, Katsina Airports but Port Harcourt Airport operated from a Tarpaulin, Enugu completely short down. At the end, AMCON took over all her assets and currently facing EFCC.

(6). Our brother Ibe Kachukwu was the Chairman of NNPC BOT and Petroleum Minister at the same time. He promoted the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline. He rehabilitated the Petroleum institute in Kaduna when the Petroleum Institute in Warri was not captured in the budget. He was humiliated out of office.

(7). Obono Obla, SAN was appointed the Chairman of Government Asset Recovery Committee. His target was only all past office holders from the South South and South East. At the end, he was framed and arrested.

(8). The immediate past Managing Director of NDDC and Akwa Ibom State APC Governorship candidate, Nsima Ekere gave out emergency jobs (contracts) only to Southern Contractors fronting for Northerners. NDDC became an ATM for “the Villa Boys”. Where is he now?

(9). Rotimi Amaechi is lobbying to be the next Vice President, in 2023. His first action is to sell the South and became a saboteur. No wonder why as a Transport Minister, he found it very necessary to build the Lagos-Ibadan- Abuja-Kaduna-Kano-Katsina Rail line, Calabar-Maiduguri Rail line, Transport University in Katsina. The Great Eastern Railway line From Port Harcourt via Aba, Onitsha to Enugu to Okene in his books, is not feasible.

The minister is completing the biggest rail and road line into Niger Republic and towards the border of Niger Republic and other countries while the roads in the south are impassable. What Niger Republic has benefited in this Administration is bigger that all that South-South and South-East combined. Who are the Managing Directors of Nigerian Ports Authority and NIMASA?

(10). The current Petroleum Minister, Chief Timipre Sylva, has initiated the construction of the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline to facilitate the building of a Gas Power Station in Abuja and Kaduna and “to turn Kano into an Industrial Head Quarters”. The man is from Bayelsa State where there is over 90% unemployment and no electricity from National Grid.

(11). Ahmed Tinubu, for his desire to rule Nigeria practically sold the South and with his bullion vans rigged Buhari to power. History will tell of him soon like others.

(12). The number of appointments of people from Niger Republic in Buhari Administration is bigger than all south combined and all the National Assembly members are aware but keep quiet because of future ambition and to avoid probe.

The story

 THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND IF TRULY SCRIPTED BY SEN.YERIMA SANI... THEN WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF OURSELVES, if you love this country don't be afraid of sharing this information let them all see it and read it too, especially all this men that their names are mentioned here please make sure they see this please this information is coming from a concerned Northern leader who is very very angry with all of this our people and the injustices in Nigeria.

IYC Seeks More Funds for Presidential Amnesty Program, Commends Otuaro's Good Works

IYC Seeks More Funds for Presidential Amnesty Program, Commends Otuaro's Good Works

Ijaw youths under the auspices of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have called on the Federal Government to approve more funds for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to enable it perform optimally for sustainable peace of the Niger Delta.

The IYC President, Jonathan Lokpobiri, made the comment while speaking with journalists shortly after he led a delegation of the council on a courtesy visit to the Administrator of PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro in Abuja.

A statement signed by the spokesperson for the IYC, Princewill Binebai and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, quoted Lokpobiri as stating that the scope of the PAP was expanding and should no longer be run with its current budget which had remained the same for many years.

The umbrella body of ijaw youths noted that the Programme still had a lot to do to ensure continued stabilisation of the region.

The group also argued that the present economic realities in Nigeria and emerging challenges in the region have made it even more compelling for more funds to be appropriated for the Programme.

The council said it discovered after a careful assessment of the Programme that the Dollar was exchanging for N120 when the PAP started, adding that there were sufficient justifiable reasons for the government to consider strengthening the programme with additional funds.

The Ijaw youths appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Ministers of Budget and Finance as well as the leadership of the National Assembly to see the need to make more funds available for programme.

The statement read in part, "As Ijaw Youth Council, we have done a careful assessment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and the massive achievements that the programme has recorded over the years.

"However, our assessment showed that the Programme can no longer run effectively with its current budget because when it was conceived, the dollar was exchanging for N120.

"Today, this same Programme is still being run with the same budgetary provision of N65bn for a whole year. Currently, the dollar is exchanging for N1,700 and the funding of the programme has remained stagnant while the needs of the Programme are expanding.

"We, as council, want to passionately appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Budget, the National Assembly, the Senate President and the leadership of the National Assembly to work together to improve the funding of the programme.

"There is so much that is expected from this programme because if the Niger Delta fails, Nigeria will pay more. The PAP is at the driver's seat of sustaining the peace in the Niger Delta. So the need to expand this Programme to accommodate more people is very important at this point in time."

Lokpobiri commended Otuaro for repositioning the PAP and "bringing the programme back to our people in the Niger Delta".

While stressing that the administrator's leadership role and his policy of inclusion had engendered stability in the region, Lokpobiri assured the PAP boss of the support of IYC and also thanked him for identifying with the youth body.

The statement quoted Otuaro as having reiterated his commitment to serve the people of the Niger Delta wholeheartedly as he knew the task ahead of him upon his appointment.

The PAP boss reassured the Ijaw youths that the programme was in safe hands.

He said the PAP was at the reintegration phase which he described as critical in the implementation of the programme's objectives, adding that his leadership understood the vital roles of stakeholders towards the sustainable peace, security and stability of the region.

While thanking the IYC for the visit, Otuaro said, "When I came into office, I knew the task ahead. I also know the roles of the Ijaw National Congress, IYC, our women and other organisations. That is why I usually say that this programme is in safe hands. This job is about our people. The office, under my leadership, also takes stakeholders engagement seriously."

Manager plays host to Otuaro, says he is on the right track in implementing the objectives of the amnesty program

Manager plays host to Otuaro, says he is on the right track in implementing the objectives of the amnesty program 

Abuja___ Senator James Manager, who represented Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has said that some of the challenges besetting the Presidential Amnesty Programme are distractions deliberately executed by some elements who do not mean well for the Ijaw nation and indeed the Niger Delta.

According to him, the malicious plots were designed to distract the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, from performing his duties.

Manager, who stated this when Otuaro paid him a consultative visit in his Abuja residence at the weekend, gave the PAP boss pat on the back for handling the office effectively despite such distractions.

A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Mr Igoniko Oduma, on Sunday, quoted Manager as having stated that the PAP boss had shown great capacity and competence in the discharge of his duties since assuming office.

He noted that Otuaro's approach to the implementation of the programme's mandate indicated that he had an idea about how to administer the programme even before President Bola Tinubu appointed him.

Manager, who served the constituents of Delta South senatorial district for 20 years, said there was no doubt that Otuaro understood the challenges of the office and the problems of the Niger Delta.

He urged the PAP administrator to remain focused on his goals, and expressed delight that he had achieved a huge milestone in repositioning the office for greater service to the people of the region and the country in general.

Manager stressed that the programme was established for the sustainable peace, security, stability and development of the region, noting that Otuaro was on the right track in carrying out the programme's objectives.

He said, "Once again I want to thank you for your consultative visit. You are someone who was very involved in the struggle, and I trust that you have the capacity and competence to run the office.

"Already, you have shown capacity in the efficient manner you have handled the office and the implementation of the PAP mandate, which was created for a specific purpose and for the sustenance of the peace, security and development of the Niger Delta.

"I want to urge you to remain focused on your goals. It is true some of the challenges of the Presidential Amnesty Programme are orchestrated distractions from some elements who do not think good towards the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta. But just be focused on things your are doing.'

Earlier in his remarks, the PAP Administrator had told Senator Manager that the programme under his leadership was working assiduously to reposition it in the overall benefit of the region.

Otuaro said the programme was at its reintegration phase which was very wide in scope, adding that with more funding the PAP office would achieve much more through its educational, vocational and post-training empowerment initiatives for the people of the region.

He said,"I know the challenges of our region. We are in the reintegration phase of the programme which is very wide in scope, and we need to do more engagement in the interest of our region and Nigeria as a whole.

"We believe that with more funding we will be able to do more for our region in terms of sustainable peace, security and unhindered development of our region. 

"We have the educational, vocational and post-training empowerment programmes that we are carrying out to accommodate everybody. 

"We are doing whatever we can for the betterment of our people and our region."