By Didimoko A. Didimoko
There is growing tension in the Niger Delta region as a plot to remove the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro, thickens.
Naija Daily News gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been inundated with allegations of corruption and other malfeasances against the PAP Boss, leading to speculations that Otuaro’s position is becoming untenable.
Our investigations revealed that unjust removal of the amnesty boss could destabilise the region, due to his connection with key stakeholders and former dissidents who accepted the Federal Government’s offer of amnesty.
Similarly, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (AKA Tompolo), Otuaro’s ally, is a key stakeholder in the region, and a contributor to the current peace in the region, and might not take kindly to his unjust removal.
Some major stakeholders in the region recently rose in defence of the Gbaramatu, Warri-born amnesty boss. They denounced the perceived campaigns of calumny against Otuaro allegedly by persons who do not mean well for the region.
Prominent traditional rulers from states of the region, including the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Whiskey, and leaders under the auspices of Oporoza House, comprising Elder Kennedy Orubebe, Ms Ann-Kio Briggs, Ibiba Don-Pedro, Comrade Alagoa Morris, and Hendrix Opukeme among others, have staunchly defended Otuaro.
King Whiskey, in his response to the endless petitions against Otuaro, noted that the region would not develop if people continue to attack political appointees unjustly.
He said some self-centred persons were hellbent on discrediting efforts of the PAP boss despite his effort to reposition the agency for the development of the region.
“Collectively, we can achieve more, but individually we cannot achieve anything. As a critical stakeholder in the PAP programme, I am convinced that Dr Dennis Otuaro is on the right track, all that is needed is collective support so that greater results can be achieved,” the monarch added.
Members of the Oporoza House, in a press statement made available to our reporter on Tuesday, urged President Tinubu to disregard the malicious allegations against Otuaro, adding that PAP under him remained committed to the vision of peace, stability and sustainable development of the region.
“Mr. President, we want to use this medium to call on you and well-meaning Nigerians to support the PAP and its efforts to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region.”
