South-South monarchs endorse Otuaro’s teforms in Presidential Amnesty Programme

The South-South Monarchs Forum has expressed strong support for the reforms initiated by Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), aimed at enhancing the programme’s effectiveness in serving the Niger Delta region.

The forum, composed of first-class traditional rulers, specifically commended Otuaro’s proactive policy of stakeholder engagement, which they believe is instrumental in advancing peace-building and development efforts in the Niger Delta.

During a meeting with Otuaro on Friday, His Royal Majesty, King Edmund Daukoru, Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum (SSMF) and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, emphasized the importance of these reforms. The meeting, organized by the forum, took place at the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council secretariat in Yenagoa.

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Meanwhile, members of the Niger Delta youth community, including the Ijaw Youth Council’s Central Zone and representatives from Phases Two and Three of PAP, staged a rally in Yenagoa in solidarity with Otuaro’s leadership and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Harry Fubara, IYC’s national director of mobilisation, and Perekosufa Ineife, the Central Zone Chairman, warned critics against maligning Otuaro’s achievements, highlighting his impact since assuming office.

In a statement released Sunday by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, King Daukoru praised Otuaro’s approach, calling it proof of his commitment to the Niger Delta.

Representing Daukoru, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed full support for Otuaro’s appointment, commending his efforts to rejuvenate PAP for lasting peace and stability in the region. The traditional rulers reassured Otuaro of their backing to complete his tenure and urged detractors to allow him to carry out his duties without interference.

King Daukoru, who serves as the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, also urged the Federal Government to ignore calls from those advocating to shut down PAP, stressing that the core issues which led to the programme’s creation remain unresolved.

Daukoru remarked, “You understand the Niger Delta and your coming here underscores that because you have chosen the path of dialogue, and meeting with all stakeholders at all levels. There is no better way to achieve peace and development in the Niger Delta. We want to applaud you very specially.”

He continued, “This time, it would not be like before when administrators did not finish their tenures. You will serve your term through. Furthermore, in the past, there had been an attempt by the Government of Nigeria to cancel out this programme. But we have always said that you cannot cancel out this programme.”

Daukoru emphasized the need to complete the PAP’s goals, stating that efforts must continue to rehabilitate and empower youth in the region until peace is fully restored.

Traditional leaders from states across the South-South, including HRM King Leslie Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka of Evo Kingdom; HRM King Pere Luke of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom; and HRM King Ogurimerime Ukori, Ovie of Agbon Kingdom, joined in applauding Otuaro for his swift action since taking office.

They also thanked President Tinubu for appointing Otuaro, urging him to stay committed to his work and not to be distracted by detractors who do not prioritize the region’s peace and development.

Responding to the leaders, Otuaro reaffirmed his commitment to serving the Niger Delta, emphasizing his dedication to policies of inclusivity, stakeholder engagement, and continuity. He assured the monarchs that President Tinubu supports the region’s progress.

“I will always seek your majesties’ advice. I deemed it necessary to come and interact with you, my fathers, because that is the right thing to do. As revered traditional rulers under the auspices of the South-South Monarchs Forum, you mean the business of peace and development of the region,” Otuaro stated.