By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

The leaders and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme ,PAP, have described the achievements of the Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro in one year as unprecedented in the past 14 years of the programme.

Speaking during a solidarity rally in Yenagoa on Tuesday to celebrate the achievements of Otuaro, the National Chairman of Phase 2 of PAP, Ibena Salvation, said the transformative policies implemented by Otuaro since assuming office as administrator of PAP, cannot be overemphasized.

He also expressed strong support for the operations of Tantita Security Services, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo and commended the security outfit for its effectiveness in safeguarding oil facilities and combating illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region.

Salvation stated that the leaders and beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme have a vote of confidence in Otuaro and urged President Bola Tinubu to sustain his administration’s collaboration with Tantita Security, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining stability in the region.

According to PAP phase 2 leader, Otuaro’s leadership in the last one year has helped to reduce tension and conflicts in the region, noting that he has worked closely with ex-agitators, community leaders, and government agencies to maintain stability by ensuring that beneficiaries receive their entitlements on time and addressing their concerns through peaceful dialogue.

His words; “Otuaro has changed the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, from just a stipend payment scheme into a real empowerment program. He has introduced training, skills development, and business support to help ex-agitators stand on their own, and any beneficiaries who depended on monthly payments are now business owners, skilled professionals, and independent individuals and this is a major step forward for the Niger Delta.

“This has led to improved security and increased business activities in the Niger Delta. The focus on education and skills training under Otuaro has changed many lives. More ex-agitators now have access to scholarships and vocational training, both in Nigeria and abroad. Training centers have been upgraded, and many young people are learning valuable skills in fields like agriculture, technology, and the maritime industry. This is the kind of development the region needs.

“Another major achievement under Otuaro is the improved management of funds. In the past, the programme was often linked to mismanagement and corruption, but his administration has made sure that resources go directly to projects that benefit the people. This has restored trust in the Amnesty Programme and made it more effective in achieving its goals.

“With these accomplishments, many believe that the Amnesty Programme is now more focused on real development. Otuaro’s leadership is setting a new standard, proving that the programme can truly help ex-agitators become successful and contribute to the progress of the Niger Delta”, Salvation added.

In their respective remarks, the leader of the Phase 1, Edward Youdiowei, urged the youths of the Niger Delta to be patient with Otuaro as he has done enough for the beneficiaries and the Niger Delta region.

Youdiowei appreciated President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the PAP Administrator, Dr. Otuaro, for collaborating with the stakeholders in the region to sustain the Amnesty programme and also increasing the Amnesty budget.

Also, the Phase 3 leader, Elaye Slaboh, hinted that Otuaro is making every efforts to integrate more men, women and youths into the Amnesty Programme and security initiatives beyond Tantita Security.

He also commended President Tinubu for approving Tantita Security under High Chief Tompolo, noting that the waterways and communities are now safer. “Otuaro’s leadership has contributed significantly to peace in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states, as there have been no protests against him since he assumed office”, he said.