PAP: Niger Delta Ex-agitators Pass 'Vote of Confidence On Otuaro's Leadership

PAP: Niger Delta Ex-agitators Pass 'Vote of Confidence On Otuaro's Leadership.

By Ekpegha T.

Camp leaders of phase one of the Federal Government Presidential Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta Ex-agitators has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the new Special Adviser of the programme, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro for his pragmatic approach to redesign the programme for the general interest of the authentic beneficiaries.

The declaration was made on Friday in warri during a meeting with the stakeholders & delegates of the Programme and the Special Adviser in Warri, Delta State.

During the meeting, Dr. Otuaro recognized the stakeholders of the programme also appreciate Niger Deltan's who stand behind him as the administrator of the programme, stated that his administration will bring good result to the ex-agitators.

The event begin with singing of the national anthem, opening prayer and introduction of members of the high table. 

This was followed by the opening remarks of the administrator of the presidential Amnesty programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro. He welcomed members of the first phase to the programme while apologising for the short meeting invitation. 

While speaking, Otuaro promised to operate open door policy and make things better for the ex- agitator's despite that the meeting did not encompass every stakeholder, assuring inclusion of others in other meetings. 

According to him, since his appointment he had been having indoor meetings with stakeholders. He cited how members and families of delegates suffered casualty during the struggle. 

Speaking further, he cited that as stakeholders he's doing it has a possibility for our community, children, grand children & for Nigeria. If Niger Delta didn't sustain peace it will lead to pre-amnesty at last the blame will be upon me as the administrator of the programme. The programme has been design for human capital development that will lead to business opportunities for the ex- agitator's also good education will be given to them both home & abroad. After there graduation they can be employed any where in the world.

Dr. Otuaro appeal to  Niger Delta youths to avoid riout & destruction of properties in the region, always abide in peace making. The amnesty programme will bring business opportunities to our women, sisters & youths in terms of empowerment that will make there life reasonable in the society. Even the men will be given such business opportunities to travel abroad to support there family.

Otuaro said he thought it wise to hold this stakeholders meeting to brainstorm and plan to move the programme better. He said he was aware of the progress the programme had made on education, training and empowerment.

He notice some challenges the delegates are facing to be such as said manipulation of some beneficiaries names, stoppage of training programmes due to COVID,

delay in payment of empowerment funds due to change of business names and others, stating that he found some of the complaints to be genuine.

According to him, "I know that we( delegates) are only receiving only N65,000.00 stipend but this is the time to look beyond the N65,000.00 stipend. Under my tenure, l want to provide more opportunities for our communities. We must organise ourselves. I know some of our people who have gotten training and education are doing well. My administration will provide foreign and local educational and vocational training for delegates and critical stakeholders.

“I have received series of complaints, genuine ones, since assuming jurisdiction. Such issues around beneficiary name manipulation, slots racketeering, and delays in training and empowerment funds, and we are poised to resolving all of them.” Otuaro assured.

While emphasis some challenges delegates are facing including manipulation of beneficiaries names, stoppage of training, delay in payment, and lack of empowerment to delegates after training, Otuaro assured beneficiaries that such problems shall be looked up and solution will be given to such problem.

The call for a Vote of Confidence to be passed on Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro (PhD.) by Chief Boro Opudu.

The call was heeded by Prince Emeka O. Igwe, First Phase Coordinator, Imo State, who Moved the motion for a Vote of Confidence on Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro Presidential Amnesty Board. The ensuring voice vote favoured the affirmative after Chief Pastor Rubenson Wilson, the immediate past

 Chairman of the First-1 Camp Leaders Forum Seconded the Motion.