News
IJAW PUBLISHERS FORUM BACKS DR. OTUARO’S LEADERSHIP OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME
– Commends Reforms, Transparency, and Focus on Human Capital Development
By: Divine Perezide
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), a coalition of professional publishers from across Ijaw land, has thrown their weight behind the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under its current Administrator, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Burutu Otuaro.
At a World Press Conference held on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, the apex Ijaw media body applauded Dr. Otuaro for what it described as a “purposeful, reform-driven and people-centered” administration that has restored confidence in the Amnesty Programme.
Speaking during the briefing, IPF President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, noted that the Forum’s support was based not on sentiment or political correctness, but on verifiable progress and credible leadership
“We are a collection of professional media practitioners whose allegiance is to truth, fairness, and the progress of the Niger Delta. When we commend or defend good leadership, it is because we have seen tangible results,” Ozobo said.
Renewed Focus and Reforms
Since assuming office on March 14, 2024, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Otuaro has reportedly and verifiable so, repositioned the Amnesty Programme towards sustainable peace and development.
The IPF outlined several achievements under his tenure, including the expansion of the PAP scholarship scheme, which has seen over 140 beneficiaries sent abroad for studies in countries such as the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The Forum also praised the Administrator’s commitment to transforming the initiative from a stipend-based welfare scheme into a platform for genuine human capital development and empowerment.
“Dr. Otuaro has given the programme a human face, ensuring that it truly serves the people of the Niger Delta,” the statement read.
Additionally, the Forum commended his consistent advocacy for stakeholders inclusion – especially the participation of women in peacebuilding – and his dedication to transparency and accountability in managing the programme’s affairs.
Standing Against Sabotage
While lauding the Administrator’s strides, the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum condemned what it described as “coordinated attacks” and “misinformation campaigns” allegedly sponsored by individuals threatened by the ongoing reforms.
The group alleged that certain interests had sought to distract and discredit Otuaro after he refused to yield to financial pressures or open the programme’s resources to “self-serving actors.”
“We ae aware of attempts to frustrate the Administrator’s reforms. However, such tactics will not succeed, because the people have seen the difference his leadership has made,” Ozobo stated.
Call for Support and Collaboration
The IPF called on beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme, niger Delta Communities, civil society organisations, and the media to rally behind Dr. Otuaro and focus on constructive engagement rather than destructive criticism.
The group also urged the federal, state, and local governments to provide the necessary institutional framework to enable the PAP fulfil its core mandate of reintegration, empowerment, and regional security and development.
A Vision for the Future
Reiterating its commitment to truth and responsible journalism, the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum affirmed that the region’s progress depends on encouraging capable leadership and rejecting divisive politics.
“Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro has shown vision, competence, and dedication. For the Niger Delta to move forward, we must support leaders who are genuinely committed to peace and development,” the Forum concluded.
The statement which was signed by Comrade Ozobo Austin, President of the body, offered goodwill prayers for the IPF, Ijaw Nation, Niger Delta, and the entire country.
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Godknows Boladei Igali, has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State, describing it as a significant step in advancing development efforts in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Friday, Igali said the President’s presence in the state for the commissioning of major projects underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructural growth in the region. He characterized the visit as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to addressing development needs in oil-producing communities.
The former envoy also praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for delivering key projects designed to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state. According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives represent meaningful progress in Bayelsa’s development trajectory.
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Fo observed that the newly completed projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost commercial activities, and open up employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the state.
Igali further urged residents to accord the President a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective support for policies that drive national development.
President Tinubu’s visit includes the inauguration of several strategic projects executed by the state government, a move widely viewed by stakeholders as strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities in fostering sustainable growth.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed that its rescheduled national elections will hold on April 13, 2026, declaring its Electoral Committee (ELECO) fully prepared and cautioning against any directive capable of undermining the process.
The resolution followed an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 9 at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, convened to assess the level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
INC NEC Affirms ELECO Readiness
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC unanimously endorsed the report presented by ELECO, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness and affirming that the elections would proceed as scheduled.
The council stated that members “endorsed the report of the ELECO… that the rescheduled INC National elections should hold on the 13th of April 2026 as planned.”
It further noted that concerns raised at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Bayelsa State Government in March had been adequately addressed.
Affirmation of Electoral Independence
The NEC stressed the need to preserve the independence of the electoral body, directing that ELECO be allowed to carry out its responsibilities without interference.
According to the communiqué, ELECO is to “carry out its assignment without interference from other organs of Congress, except to receive logistics support from the NEC.”
The council also expressed confidence in the committee’s readiness, particularly in the preparation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
Clarifies CITRE’s Role
In a move seen as addressing internal governance concerns, the NEC clarified the constitutional role of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), describing it as an advisory organ in line with Article 14(D) of the INC 2019 Constitution.
It noted that CITRE’s functions in election matters are limited to clearing nominees and managing disputes arising from the electoral process, similar to the role of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
The NEC, however, reiterated its openness to constructive input from CITRE, BOT and other organs, provided such advice aligns with the overall interest of the Congress.
INC Discourages Misinformation
The council issued a strong advisory to the public and stakeholders to disregard any information or directive inconsistent with the official position of ELECO.
“The general public is therefore advised to discountenance any information or directive that runs contrary to the position of the ELECO…,” the communiqué stated.
NEC Attendance Across INC Structures
The meeting drew a wide representation of leadership across the INC structure, including NEC members, BOT officials, CITRE leaders, National Representative Committee (NRC) members, zonal executives and chapter representatives.
Among those in attendance were INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; National Secretary, Engr. Ebiowei Wodu; Acting Chairman of CITRE (East), HRH (Gen. Rt.) B.A. Fipinimama; ELECO Chairman, HRM (Justice) Dr. F. F. Tabai; and ELECO Vice Chairman, HRM Seiyifa Koroye.
Others included ELECO Secretary, Dr. Otobo Choice Jamaica; former INC President, Prof. A.W. Obianime; National Legal Adviser, Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe; National Organising Secretary, Onengiyeofori Fenibo; and Leader of the NRC, HRH (Dr.) Anyanate Kio.
Also present were CITRE leader, HRH Okoko Stample Esau (PhD); BOT Vice Chairman, Chief M. Tiemo; BOT Secretary, Barr. Fidelis Agbiki; National Treasurer, High Chief Philip B. Agu; National Women Leader, Alali R. Danagogo; and Vice President, Rose Obuoforibo.
Chapter and zonal representatives included Barr. Agha Toru-Ibe (Benin City Secretary), Ephraim Gogo (Benin City Chairman), Tonye Harry (Lagos Chairman), A. Elayelagha (Lagos Secretary), Daniel Ebijor Tonibor (Abuja Chairman), Tete K. Friday (Abuja Assistant Secretary), Ajele Ayokeji Johnson (Akure Chairman), John Ebiofini (Akure Secretary), and Chief Bare Etolor (Chairman, Ijaw Elders Forum).
Others were HRH Akcheseinimie Micah Frank (BOT member), Princess Ebiseni Adesola Joyce (NRC Deputy Leader), Elder Gabriel Benamiensia (NRC Clerk), Karibo Lawrence (Eastern Zone Vice Chairman), God’swill Seke (Central Zone Secretary), Mrs. Peremo Isenali Opiali (National Welfare Secretary), and King Koma A. Eteko (CITRE Deputy Chairman).
The NEC’s resolution is widely interpreted as a strategic effort to consolidate authority within the INC and prevent internal divisions ahead of the elections.
By reaffirming ELECO’s independence and clarifying institutional roles, the leadership appears focused on ensuring a credible, transparent and conflict-free electoral process.
With the April 13 date now firmly set, attention will shift to the conduct of the elections and the ability of the Congress to sustain unity in the post-election period.