.Idjerhe Monarch Seeks Hospital Revival, Hails Otuaro’s Appointment

By Akpokona Omafuire & Paul Olayemi

JESSE—In a symbolic return to his roots, the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, paid a courtesy visit to the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey JP, Udurhie I, on Friday, 13th June 2025, declaring that the Amnesty Programme must reflect the realities of all Niger Deltans, not just ex-agitators.

Otuaro, speaking at the royal palace in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area, said, “The idea behind the Presidential Amnesty Programme is national security and human development. Though the primary target is those who dropped arms, the programme recognizes that everybody in the Niger Delta is a victim of the agitation.”

Affirming his ancestral roots, Dr. Otuaro said the visit was long overdue but deeply personal. “I am a son of this great kingdom. My father, Otuaro, was an honourable man. This land raised me, and I am here to say thank you with action, not just words,” he said to a round of applause from community leaders and monarchs gathered.

He emphasized that under his leadership, the Amnesty Programme has made strides despite years of stagnant funding. “When I resumed office, the funding had not increased since 2014. But by God’s grace and Mr. President’s support, we were able to break that ceiling and expand our outreach,” he said.

He outlined a robust agenda of inclusion, highlighting that the Amnesty Programme would no longer be hijacked by a few. “No one will corner this programme. It will serve all—women, youths, elders. Everyone who bears the scars of this struggle,” he assured.

He revealed that the number of university students admitted under the programme jumped from 180 in the previous year to 3,170 in the last cycle, with renewed focus on postgraduate and professional fields abroad. “We revived the foreign scholarship initiative because the people said it must continue. I listened,” he said.

In his response, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM King Monday Arthur Whiskey, praised the Federal Government for appointing someone with grassroots credibility. “This is the first time people can walk into the Amnesty office and see one of their own—someone who understands the weight of the past and the hope of the future,” the monarch said.

He added that Dr. Otuaro’s leadership was already rekindling faith in government interventions. “Coordinator, the people of the Niger Delta are not only impressed with you, but they are watching your steps. And we are ready to walk with you.”

Also present at the royal gathering were revered monarchs including the Ovie of Ughelli, HRM Evang. Prof. W.O. Oharisi III; the Ovie of Oghara, HRM Noble Eshemitan, Orefe III; the Ovie of Mosogar, HRM Sunday Okpurhe, Uduaka I; and monarchs from Ogor, Agbarah-Warri and Aravwarien Kingdomd.

The Idjerhe king noted, “The kings you see here are not here for show. When I told them our son was visiting, they said, ‘We’ve been watching him.’ This is solidarity, not politics.”

The Ovie reminded the visiting team of a tragic event in the kingdom’s history. “27 years ago, over a thousand of our people died in one day in a fire disaster. The Federal Government built a hospital, but it’s now abandoned. That hospital is a symbol. It must not rot,” he said.

He appealed to Dr. Otuaro to relay the community’s plea to relevant authorities. “Let the Federal Government revive that hospital. Let that pain give birth to healing.”

On the recurring demand for increased stipends by ex-agitators, the monarch offered a blunt assessment: “If I had my way, I’d begin to phase people out and focus on education and practical training. The ₦65,000 is not the issue—human capital development is.”

Dr. Otuaro shared similar sentiments. “I understand the cries for higher stipends. But the real legacy we can build is in people. Human resources—not handouts—will shape the Niger Delta’s future,” he stated.

Dr. Otuaro disclosed that plans were underway to empower 3,000 women this year in various sectors such as farming, fisheries, and commerce. “Our mothers deserve this support—not just during elections. I will deliver this before July,” he pledged.

He said the scholarship portal would be opened soon, with special consultations to ensure grassroots participation. “We’ll consult widely. I will return to the palaces, reach out to our elders. Everyone must feel this programme.”

Addressing complaints of delayed payments and unresolved beneficiary issues, Dr. Otuaro said, “Some have not been paid in two years. I am already working on those files. I know these people. I walked with them during the struggle.”

He added, “Under my watch, we will resolve those issues and prevent future lapses. The time to heal is now.”

As the event wrapped up, King Arthur Whiskey reminded all that the struggle of the Niger Delta is far from over—but now it has a more hopeful outlook. “With men like Dr. Otuaro, our hopes are not misplaced. We will stand behind him—not for money, but for our people’s future,” he said.

Dr. Otuaro, visibly emotional, responded, “I will not let you down. This mandate is not mine alone—it is for all of us. I will carry you along. Always.”