Otuaro Warns Ex-Agitators: Reject Desperate Politician, Reaffirms Tinubu’s Support for the Region

Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has cautioned ex-agitators in the Niger Delta to remain vigilant and resist manipulation by desperate politicians attempting to destabilize the region ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the close of a three-day strategic training workshop focused on Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation organized by PAP in partnership with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Otuaro decried what he described as “reckless political antics” aimed at sowing division.

"Some political actors are deliberately inciting tension and trying to turn ex-agitators against the Federal Government. These actions are misguided and harmful to the progress we’ve achieved under President Tinubu,” Otuaro said.

The second batch of the capacity-building training ran from July 30 to August 1, 2025, and brought together key stakeholders in the programme. Otuaro presented certificates to participants and later hosted them at the PAP headquarters.

Otuaro praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their unwavering support of the Amnesty Programme and the broader development agenda for the region.

"President Tinubu has shown real commitment not just in rhetoric, but in action. The expansion of the programme’s budget has allowed us to reach more beneficiaries, scale our empowerment initiatives, and accelerate reintegration,” he said.

He also cited the strategic appointments of Niger Delta natives into key federal roles as evidence of the administration’s inclusive governance and goodwill toward the region.

"This level of political inclusion is unprecedented. It’s a sign that the President is genuinely invested in our region’s progress. We must reciprocate with unity and support.”

Otuaro called on ex-agitators and community stakeholders to resist political distractions and instead focus on peace, development, and regional stability.

"Calls for confrontation are misplaced and harmful. Let us not allow political actors without the region’s interest at heart to derail our gains,” he warned.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and local influencers to continue sensitizing youths against becoming pawns in the hands of politicians pursuing narrow agendas.

"Sustainable progress can only come through cooperation, not conflict,” he emphasized.

Otuaro reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the PAP into a robust vehicle for long-term human capital development and peace in the Niger Delta.