Former Warri council chief drums support for PAP coordinator

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Dr Michael Tidi has urged the people of the Niger Delta region to continue to support the National Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro in piloting the affairs of the programme.

Tidi, the immediate past chairman of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Warri.

The former chairman’s call was premised on the move by some individuals and groups in the Delta State seeking to remove Otuaro as the National Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme.

He said that Otuaro had been able to entrench peace, stability and development across divides in the oil-rich region.

Tidi urged people to reject the baseless demands and continue supporting his administration’s efforts.

He noted that since Otuaro assumed the mantle of leadership, the various ethnic groups in Delta had been experiencing a new-found sense of belonging, alongside the Ijaw communities.

The former two-term council boss quoted the late Ken Saro-Wiwa as once said: “The struggle for our rights is the struggle for our humanity.

“This profound insight resonates deeply with the current situation surrounding Dr Otuaro, who faces unwarranted calls for his removal as Administrator of the 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 Bola 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,” he said.

Tidi described Otuaro as the first core Deltan who had actively participated in the region’s struggle for rights to hold the esteemed position.

According to him, 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 hails from—Isoko, and Kwale are experiencing a new-found 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,” he said.

The former chairman said that one of the most tangible outcomes of Otuaro’s efforts was the increase in oil production which according to him was a critical element of Nigeria’s economy.

“Under Otuaro’s 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 Company Limited (NNPCL) 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 indicates 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,” he said.

Tidi said that the calls for Otuaro’s removal were often driven by political manoeuvring or personal grievances rather than an objective evaluation of his performance.

He said that such action could threaten the progress achieved under his leadership and risk destabilizing the system.

Tidi quoted Isaac Adaka Boro as 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.”

He said Boro’s statement embodied the essence of unity in our pursuit of development and rights for the Niger Delta.

Tidi said that Otuaro’s recent visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan underscored his commitment to fulfilling the PAP’s mandate.

He noted that by consulting with key stakeholders like Jonathan, Otuaro was building on the original vision of the amnesty program and 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 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,” he said.