Stakeholders declare support for PAP leadership

The Concerned Niger Delta Civil Society Groups, including the Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum (IYCF), Ex-Agitators Third Phase, and Ndukwa Youth Association, on Friday, condemned allegations of financial mismanagement against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), describing them as false, baseless, and politically motivated.

They noted that the controversy surrounding Dr. Otuaro follows a familiar pattern in Nigerian politics, where reformers often clash with entrenched interests resistant to change.

The Chairman/CEO of IYCF, Chief Ebizimor Preye Raphael, disclosed this in Abuja, during a press briefing, dismissing the accusations as a desperate attempt by vested interests to derail the ongoing reforms within the PAP.

Raphael said that the Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum conducted an independent investigation and found out that the claims were fabricated by individuals who previously benefited from the mismanagement of the PAP.

According to him, Dr. Otuaro’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and empowerment has disrupted long-standing patronage networks, leading to resistance from those who once thrived under a system of less scrutiny.

He said: “These allegations, which seek to undermine the integrity and leadership of Dr. Otuaro, are nothing more than a desperate attempt to derail the transformative agenda he has championed since assuming office.

“Dr. Otuaro has remained steadfast in his commitment to the development, peace, and stability of the Niger Delta region, and we will not allow unfounded accusations to taint his hard-earned reputation.

He reaffirmed broad support for Dr. Otuaro’s leadership across the Niger Delta, citing key endorsements from groups such as the Niger Delta Energy Security Forum (NDESF).

He said that the NDESF has linked the recent increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production to the renewed stability fostered by the PAP under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.

Raphael added, “We stand in unwavering solidarity with Dr. Dennis Otuaro. We reaffirm our confidence in his visionary leadership and the positive trajectory he has set for the PAP. His unwavering dedication to the peace, stability, and development of the Niger Delta region remains evident, and we will continue to support his noble efforts in ensuring the success of the programme.”