A former freedom fighter in the Niger Delta and South South Coordinator of The Asiwaju Group, TAG, Pastor Reuben Wilson, has called for increased funding for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP. 

Wilson, who hailed Tinubu for his choice of Dr Dennis Otuaro as coordinator of the PAP, however, said without increased budgetary funding and prompt release of funds, the new coordinator may not perform up to expectations.

He said: “This appeal is premised on the fact that the annual budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme with respect to the training and welfare of the beneficiaries has remained the same from the beginning of the programme in 2009 to date, irrespective of the current high cost of living and training of the beneficiaries.

“The upward review of the annual budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme is long overdue and it’s greatly hindering the proper and effective execution of the objectives of the programme. 

“There’s therefore an urgent need for an upward review of the budget,especially now that we have a sincere,competent and critical stakeholder as the administrator of the programme. 

“I’m highly elated that it’s Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro that is in charge of the programme now. I know that he has the capacity to unite all the beneficiaries and critical stakeholders of the programme, owing to his level of competent leadership and experience in the Niger Delta struggle.”

Wilson, who is also the founder of the Pastor Reuben Initiative For Leadership and Good Leadership and Accountability, PRIFGLA, said Otuaro would not fail the Niger Delta if sufficient funds are provided for him to work with.

He said: “The upward review of the annual budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme is long overdue and it’s greatly hindering the proper and effective execution of the objectives of the programme. 

“There’s therefore an urgent need for an upward review of the budget,especially now that we have a sincere,competent and critical stakeholder as the Administrator of the programme. 

“I am, therefore, appealing that Mr President should upwardly review the annual budget of the programme and bring it up to speed with the current realities to enable the new Administrator effectively reposition the programme for better results.

“I believe strongly that he shall successfully redeem and redirect the office to achieve its primary and fundamental objectives.”