A Niger Delta leader and former freedom fighter in the region, Reuben Wilson, has advocated a reviewed budget for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
Wilson said given the current economic realities, and for the new leadership to succeed, there is a need for the agency’s budget to have an upward review.
He said since 2009 when the PAP was established, it has operated under the same budget for the welfare and training of beneficiaries.
Wilson in a statement on Friday said it would be difficult for PAP under Dr Dennis Otuaro to succeed if adequate funds were not provided by the Federal Government.
The ex-agitator thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing Otuaro as Administrator of the Programme, assuring greater impacts under him.
He said: “This appeal is premised on the fact that the yearly budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, concerning the training and welfare of the beneficiaries, has remained the same from the beginning of the programme in 2009 till date, irrespective of the current high cost of living and training of the beneficiaries.
“The upward review of the yearly budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme is long overdue, and it’s greatly hindering the proper and effective execution of the objectives of the programme. There’s therefore an urgent need for an upward review, especially now that we have a sincere, competent and critical stakeholder as the administrator of the programme.”
He said he was elated that Dennis Brutu Otuaro is in charge of the programme now, adding: “I know that he has the capacity to unite all the beneficiaries and critical stakeholders of the programme, owing to his level of competent leadership and experience in the Niger Delta struggle.
“I’m therefore appealing that Mr President should upwardly review the yearly budget of the programme and bring it up to speed with the current realities to enable the new administrator effectively reposition the programme for better results.”
The south-south coordinator of The Asiwaju Group, explained: “Otuaro has been part of the struggle for the survival of the Niger Delta people from the beginning and therefore, knows what to do to revitalise and reposition the Presidential Amnesty Programme, if given the right financial resources. He is adequately prepared and has the requisite experience and knowledge to successfully pilot the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty office to greater heights.”
He expressed the belief that the amnesty boss “shall successfully redeem and redirect the office to achieve its primary and fundamental objectives. He played a crucial role in the activities that led to the establishment of the programme and therefore, wouldn’t allow the programme to continue in derailment and bastardisation under his watch.
“There’s therefore an urgent need for the Programme’s yearly budget to be reviewed upward, to enable him execute his mandate efficiently and effectively. Making available adequate funding for the programme is a necessary support that will certainly empower the new administrator to better discharge his responsibilities.”
