Otuaro alerts N’Delta ex-agitators on desperate politicians’ plots, urges support for Tinubu’s devt drive

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has urged ex-agitators in the Niger Delta to stay alert and resist attempts by desperate politicians seeking to create unrest in the region for their own gain.

Otuaro raised concerns over the growing wave of politically charged rhetoric, noting that some political actors are working to sow division between beneficiaries of the programme and the Federal Government ahead of the 2027 elections.

He made the remarks at the close of the second batch of a three-day Strategic Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training, held from July 30 to August 1, 2025. The event, organised by the PAP in partnership with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, brought together key stakeholders.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, the PAP administrator presented certificates to participants and later hosted them at the programme’s headquarters. He advised them not to fall for divisive schemes by political operatives.

Describing the political manoeuvres as needless and risky, Otuaro stressed there was no justification for destabilising the region, citing the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to promote development and economic growth in the Niger Delta.

He emphasized the Federal Government’s investment in human capital development and empowerment initiatives for ex-agitators, noting that the President’s support has been consistent.

READ ALSO:2027 : Backing Tinubu key to deepening peace, development in Niger Delta — Otuaro

“We can all see the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Ex-agitators and beneficiaries in general should not be deceived and distracted by some politicians,” Otuaro told the participants.

“Be assured that nobody will do it better than President Tinubu. As Niger Delta people, we have to thank the President for his genuine love for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and our region as a whole.

“The President Tinubu administration has shown goodwill to our people, not just in words, but in action. The President has expanded the budget of the programme, allowing us to reach more beneficiaries and strengthen our reintegration and rehabilitation initiatives.

‘’Furthermore, Niger Deltans have been appointed to strategic positions in key ministries and agencies. This level of inclusion is unprecedented and deserves acknowledgement. All we need to do is to be united for the President.”

Otuaro urged stakeholders and ex-agitators to reflect on recent progress and avoid being drawn into confrontations that could undermine the gains achieved so far.

He stressed that peace, stability, and development should remain the region’s top priorities, adding that “any call for confrontation or disaffection at this time is not only misplaced but also harmful to the gains we have recorded.”

The PAP chief maintained that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to the welfare of the Niger Delta and called for unity, cooperation, and constructive engagement in return.

Reaffirming his dedication to the programme, Otuaro said the PAP will continue to promote sustainable human capital growth, empowerment, and regional peace.

He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to keep sensitising youths against being used by political forces for destabilisation, emphasising that lasting development can only come through collaboration, not conflict.