News

Amnesty Programme Making Progress Under Otuaro—NDRC Warns Detractors

…Backs President Tinubu’s Re-election, Says 2027 Victory Crucial for Niger Delta Development

The Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders (NDRC) have strongly condemned the ongoing attacks, baseless criticisms, and false allegations against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Ph.D., the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The group also reaffirmed its total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, emphasizing that his continued leadership would benefit the Niger Delta region.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, WO I Izon-Ebi, and made available to the press, the NDRC described the accusations against Dr. Otuaro as a calculated smear campaign orchestrated by a select few individuals and groups within the Niger Delta for selfish interests, personal gain, and political maneuvering.

The group expressed deep concern over these malicious attacks, highlighting that since assuming office, Dr. Otuaro has injected a fresh perspective into the programme, demonstrated unwavering commitment to its mandate, and provided exemplary leadership. His efforts to reposition the Amnesty Programme with professionalism, transparency, and administrative excellence have been widely acknowledged.

Despite these achievements, the group lamented that some individuals have resorted to baseless attacks aimed at discrediting him, inciting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove him, and seeking to replace him with individuals who would serve their personal interests. The NDRC emphasized that these smear campaigns do not reflect the views of the majority of Niger Deltans but are rather the actions of a small group, particularly from the Ijaw extraction, who have historically engaged in orchestrated protests, defamatory campaigns, and petitions against their own leaders.

The NDRC noted that such crude tactics have consistently projected the region in a negative light, undermining its political credibility. The group stressed that these individuals have repeatedly failed to support any Niger Delta leader in federal positions and asserted that not even Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would be spared their baseless criticisms if He were to occupy such a role.

Highlighting key achievements under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the group pointed to the restoration of professionalism, transparency, and efficiency in the management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the successful execution of large-scale empowerment initiatives that equip Niger Deltans with skills and resources for sustainable livelihoods, the implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Scholarship Initiative—the largest educational deployment in the programme’s history benefiting thousands across the region, and proactive peacebuilding efforts that have fostered stability in the Niger Delta, creating an enabling environment for economic growth and development.

The NDRC urged all well-meaning Niger Deltans and the general public to disregard the falsehoods being spread by these individuals and groups. The group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Dr. Otuaro and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast in his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta, warning that those seeking to undermine Otuaro are only attempting to frustrate the programme and derail the administration’s efforts to bring lasting peace, increase oil production, and foster economic growth.

Furthermore, the NDRC emphasized that President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is crucial for consolidating his Renewed Hope Agenda and ensuring the continued success of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the capable leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Ph.D.

The Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, progress, and the development of the region, pledging continued support for leaders who prioritize the welfare and advancement of the Niger Delta people.