...As Niger Delta monarchs rally behind him
The Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has declared that the amnesty initiative must reflect the broader pain and aspirations of all Niger Deltans—not just former agitators.
Speaking during a visit to the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey JP, Udurhie I, on Friday, June 13, Otuaro said the programme must shift from tokenism to inclusive development.
Dr. Otuaro emphasized that the original purpose of the amnesty initiative goes beyond disarmament. “The idea behind the Presidential Amnesty Programme is national security and human development,” he said. “Though the primary target is those who dropped arms, the programme recognizes that everybody in the Niger Delta is a victim of the agitation.”
Returning to his ancestral roots, Otuaro described the visit as 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, drawing warm applause from gathered monarchs and community leaders.
“The programme is about national security and human development. While it began with those who dropped arms, everyone in the Niger Delta is a victim of the agitation,” Otuaro stated, pledging that under his watch, the amnesty programme would serve women, youths, elders, and communities historically scarred by conflict and neglect.
Highlighting achievements since assuming office, he revealed a dramatic rise in educational access—from 180 to 3,170 university students—and the revival of the foreign scholarship scheme. He also announced upcoming empowerment plans for 3,000 women in agriculture, fisheries, and petty trade, promising delivery before July and vowing no one would be left behind. “We’re moving from handouts to human capital,” he emphasized.
Addressing frequent calls for an increase in monthly stipends for ex-agitators, the monarch offered a candid opinion: “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 agreed. “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 said.
The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, King Whiskey, praised Otuaro’s leadership, calling him “one of our own” and a symbol of renewed public trust. He urged the Federal Government, through Otuaro, to revive the long-abandoned hospital built in response to the Jesse pipeline fire disaster that claimed over 1,000 lives. “That hospital is a monument of our pain. Let it be revived to heal,” he appealed.
He praised Otuaro’s leadership for reigniting public trust. “Coordinator, the people of the Niger Delta are not only impressed with you—they are watching your steps. And we are ready to walk with you.”
The royal visit was attended by several traditional rulers, including HRM Evang. Prof. W.O. Oharisi III of Ughelli, HRM Noble Eshemitan Orefe III of Oghara, HRM Sunday Okpurhe Uduaka I of Mosogar, and other monarchs from Ogor, Agbarah-Warri, and Aravwarien Kingdoms.
Dr. Otuaro, visibly moved by the turnout, assured the region of transparency, grassroots consultation, and an end to delays in stipends and scholarship payments. “This mandate is for all of us. I will carry you along—always,” he declared.
