PAP:
Pa Edwin Clark Urges IPF to Support Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s PAP Office
IPF assures Pa Edwin Clark of their Unwavering Support.
Abuja – Elder statesman Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, the National leader of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF), has called on the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) to protect and support Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the current administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). This appeal was made during a recent visit by the IPF delegation to Clark’s residence in Abuja, where they discussed pressing issues concerning the Ijaw nation and the broader Niger Delta region.
Clark, a revered figure in the Niger Delta and a prominent Ijaw leader, underscored the critical importance of Dr. Otuaro’s initiatives within the PAP. He urged the IPF to shield Otuaro from any distractions or adversaries that might undermine his efforts. According to Clark, Otuaro’s leadership is vital for the continued success of the programme, which has significantly improved the lives of many in the region.
The elder statesman also clarified his stance on the appointment of the PAP coordinator. He insisted that the role should be held by an Ijaw individual, given that 95% of the amnesty programme’s beneficiaries are of Ijaw descent. Clark argued that the programme was originally established because of the Ijaw people’s struggles, and therefore, it is only fitting that an Ijaw person leads it.
Clark praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Otuaro, a core member of the Niger Delta struggle from Delta State, as the PAP administrator. He described this decision as a commendable move by the Nigerian government, marking the first time a suitable candidate has been appointed since the programme’s inception.
The elder statesman urged President Tinubu to disregard any negative campaigns against Dr. Otuaro, labelling the detractors as unpatriotic elements within the Niger Delta. He called on the IPF, consisting of Ijaw editors-in-chief and publishers, to stand by Otuaro, support his policies, and help him carry out his duties without hindrance.
In response, the IPF reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding and supporting Dr. Otuaro’s efforts to enhance the lives of amnesty programme beneficiaries and advance the development of the Niger Delta region.
PAP:
“PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME FINDS STEADY DIRECTION UNDER DR. DENNIS BURUTU OTUARO” – SAVE IJAW NATION
By: Favour Bibaikefie
A Niger Delta group named Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) has thrown their weight behind the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro (PhD.), declaring that the agency has seen tremendous improvements under his watch.
This was captured in a statement issued by the group and signed by its National Convener, High Chief Yangaboy Erekedoumene Jonathan (The Ibekorewei of Ancient Iduwini Kingdom), which reads in full;
“SAVE IJAW NATION
“PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME FINDS STEADY DIRECTION UNDER DR. DENNIS BURUTU OTUARO
“The Save Ijaw Nation (SIN) states, without equivocation, that the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) is witnessing a defining moment under the leadership of High Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro, PhD. Established in 2009 by the Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to address the historic injustice, environmental degradation, and socio-economic deprivation of the Niger Delta, the programme is now aligning more clearly with its original purpose.
“For years, the Amnesty Programme struggled with direction and public confidence. Today, under Dr. Otuaro’s administration, the programme is not only stabilized but strategically repositioned, with education and human capital development firmly placed at the center of peace-building and regional development.
“Since his appointment in March 2024 by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Dr. Otuaro has pursued an inclusive leadership model anchored on broad stakeholder engagement. Traditional institutions, activists, youth groups, women bodies, and critical Niger Delta voices have been brought into the decision-making space, fostering trust and shared ownership of the programme.
“More importantly, his leadership has expanded inclusion to third-phase agitators, ensured improved payment of entitlements, and redirected the programme from dependency to empowerment. This shift sends a strong political and developmental message: sustainable peace in the Niger Delta can only be achieved through knowledge, skills, and opportunity.
“In concrete terms, the programme has awarded over 9,000 local and international undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to Niger Delta youths in carefully selected, industry-relevant fields. These interventions are not symbolic; they are deliberate investments in the future leadership, innovation, and economic relevance of the region.
“The results are already visible. Beneficiaries from the 2024/2025 academic cycle have graduated, while many others are in advanced stages of study. In January, an additional 34 scholars were deployed to the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies in strategic disciplines including data science, fintech analytics, cybersecurity, international energy law, public health, agri-food technology, and engineering.
“On this scorecard, the Save Ijaw Nation unequivocally passes a vote of confidence on High Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro, PhD. His leadership has restored credibility to the Amnesty Programme, strengthened peace across the Niger Delta, and reinforced Nigeria’s economic stability by securing a safer environment for oil and gas production.
“We therefore commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—The Iyelawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom—for this informed and timely appointment. We further call on the Federal Government to deepen its support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and fully empower Dr. Otuaro to consolidate these gains in the interest of justice, stability, and national development.” the statement read.
The SIN is not alone in the wagon of commendations as numerous groups cutting across various tribes of the Niger Delta and beyond have sustained their commendations for Otuaro as he continues to blaze the trail in ensuring a functional Amnesty programme.
PAP: How Otuaro Boosted Morale of Edo/Delta Liaison Office
By Stephen Asaba-ase
On July 22, 2024, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), visited the Delta/Edo States Liaison office in Warri, Delta State. Accompanied by key officials including Mr. Daniel Edgar Biu, Technical Adviser, and Sir Godfrey Tare Pondi, General Manager of Operations at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Dr. Otuaro was welcomed by Captain Presley Prebor and Prince Seleakpo Botu, the office’s Manager and Assistant Manager, respectively.
During the visit, Dr. Otuaro stressed the importance of effective communication and collaboration between the liaison office and the head office in Abuja. He advised staff to avoid personal business during work hours and to promptly report any office issues to ensure a productive environment. Emphasizing that the PAP is a non-partisan agency, he urged staff to avoid political discussions and focus on supporting the Head Office’s peace initiatives in the Niger Delta region.
Dr. Otuaro encouraged staff to address delegates’ grievances efficiently and courteously, highlighting the liaison office’s role as the primary contact point for delegates unable to visit Abuja. Captain Prebor and Prince Botu expressed gratitude for the visit, noting it would inspire better performance. They also highlighted the need for more office space to accommodate the growing staff.
By Admin
The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has issued a stern warning to those behind the baseless and malicious attacks against Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). Responding to criticisms from a non-existent group called Project Niger Delta (PND), IPDI emphasized their unwavering support for Otuaro, following an endorsement by Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Professor Benjamin Okaba.
IPDI National President Comrade Ozobo Austin condemned the “odious and provocative” publication from PND, labeling the group as “agents of darkness.” He stated that the attacks do not reflect the interests of the Ijaw nation and warned that Otuaro remains committed to revitalizing the amnesty program for the Niger Delta.
Austin praised Dr. Otuaro’s reforms and innovations within PAP, suggesting that only those looking to benefit selfishly would oppose his leadership. IPDI criticized PND’s statement as “misleading,” affirming that Okaba’s endorsement is a testament to Otuaro’s dedication.
The group called on the public to disregard PND’s claims, attributing them to jealousy and divisiveness. They reaffirmed their support for Otuaro and warned detractors, especially those within the Ijaw National Congress, to cease their attacks or face exposure.
© IduwiniVoice