By Tunde Oso

A former Niger Delta militant leader and Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has commended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, for his dedication, sincerity, and commitment to the objectives of the intervention agency.

Akpodoro made this statement over the weekend in Abuja, praising Otuaro’s leadership in fostering peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta region. His remarks came as the PAP Administrator met with leaders of the 1st Phase Amnesty Programme in Bayelsa State to discuss further initiatives.

He asserted that Dr. Otuaro’s achievements deserve commendation from all genuine stakeholders, adding that only those with ulterior motives would criticize the progress made under his leadership.

At the Bayelsa meeting, Dr. Otuaro highlighted key accomplishments during his 11-month tenure, including:

Sustained engagement with stakeholders to maintain peace and security.

Deployment of four pilots to South Africa for specialized aviation training.

Enrollment of 2,000 students in both offshore and onshore educational programs.

Deployment of 98 maritime cadets to support Nigeria’s blue economy initiative.

Training of 38 aviation engineers in Lagos for industry-specific expertise.

Akpodoro hailed these achievements as unprecedented in the history of the PAP, stating that they have surpassed the accomplishments of previous administrations.

“In a few years, under Otuaro’s leadership, the Niger Delta will boast of world-class pilots and marine industry experts. The Amnesty Programme is no longer a breeding ground for corrupt contractors, racketeers, and profiteers but an institution fostering genuine development.”

He further dismissed critics of Otuaro’s leadership, describing them as “reactionary elements, commercial protesters, and conflict entrepreneurs”, urging them to find productive means of livelihood instead of relying on the PAP as a “feeding bottle.”

“The new sheriff in town does not entertain laziness or unproductive sentiments. Otuaro remains our very best,” Akpodoro declared.

He called on Niger Delta youths and stakeholders to rally behind Dr. Otuaro, whom he described as a top-tier management expert committed to repositioning the PAP for sustainable development.