Ijaw Publishers Forum Holds World Press Conference on Presidential Amnesty Programme Under Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro,

Ijaw Publishers Forum Backs Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s Leadership of Amnesty Programme,

By EgbemaVoice,

WARRI: November 6, 2025 — The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has declared strong support for the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro (Ph.D.), commending his reform-driven leadership since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 14, 2024.

In a World Press Conference, IPF described Dr. Otuaro as a visionary leader who has “revived confidence, restored focus, and repositioned the Amnesty Programme for genuine empowerment.”

The group highlighted key achievements under his tenure, including an expanded foreign scholarship scheme, emphasis on human capital development, inclusive stakeholder participation, and renewed commitment to peace and transparency in the Niger Delta.

IPF cautioned against attempts by vested interests to undermine Dr. Otuaro, urging Niger Delta stakeholders, media organisations, and civil society to offer constructive engagement and support ongoing reforms.

“The future of the Niger Delta lies in continuity of purposeful leadership,” the statement concluded, reaffirming IPF’s pledge of continued support for Dr. Otuaro’s administration. 

PRESS CONFERENCE FULL READS 

World Press Conference by the Ijaw Publishers Forum on the Activities of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro.

Gentlemen of the Press,

The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) is a collective of professional media practitioners dedicated to upholding truth, balance, and fairness in our reporting. 

We are not a tool in anyone’s hands — our allegiance is to the truth, the people, and the progress of the Niger Delta. As journalists of conscience, we commend and defend good leadership wherever it is found, especially among Ijaw sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in service.

Our mission is simple: to speak without fear or favour, to highlight performance where it exists, and to challenge wrongdoing when it appears. 

Therefore, when we lend our voice in support of any public office holder, it is not out of sentiment, politics, or personal gain, but out of an objective recognition of results, integrity, and purposeful leadership.

In this spirit, we gather today for this World Press Conference to present the true picture of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under the capable leadership of Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro — a man whose administration has revived confidence, restored focus, and repositioned the programme for the genuine empowerment of Niger Deltans.

Having said that, we, the conglomerate of Ijaw media organisations, hereby express our strong support for the leadership of High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (Ph.D.) as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

His tenure, since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 14 March 2024, has already demonstrated clarity of purpose, measurable achievements, and dedication to service.

Key Achievements & Commitments

Academic and Leadership Credentials: Dr. Otuaro entered office with strong academic credentials. He holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics and Development Studies, an M.Sc. in Public Administration, and a B.Sc. in Education.

Beyond Stipends — Real Empowerment: Under his leadership, PAP has moved beyond mere stipend payments to ex-agitators and launched broader human capital development interventions.

Human-Focused Leadership: The Administrator emphasised “giving the programme a human face… developed for the people of the Niger Delta for a better future.”

Expanded Scholarship Scheme: PAP has deployed over 140 scholars overseas (notably to the UK and South Africa) as part of its expanded scholarship programme.

Inclusive Stakeholder Participation: He has consistently called for stakeholder inclusion, including women’s participation in the peace process for the Niger Delta.

Commitment to Peace and Development: He has reaffirmed the programme’s mandate of promoting sustainable peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta region.

Strategic Repositioning of PAP: 

These are not symbolic gestures alone — they reflect a strategic repositioning of PAP to deliver tangible value, particularly through education, vocational training, and stakeholder engagement for communities long impacted by militancy, environmental degradation, and underdevelopment.

Our Position

We maintain that Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship has placed the Presidential Amnesty Programme on firmer footing in terms of transparency, accountability, and performance.

It is in the interest of the Niger Delta people and Nigeria as a whole that the programme should not be derailed by those who prefer the status quo or view reform as a threat to entrenched interests.

Genuine criticism and oversight are welcome — but what we are witnessing in certain quarters are attempts to undermine a capable, reform-minded leader through misdirection, misinformation, and vested-interest campaigns.

For example, credible reports indicate that attacks on the Administrator have increased simply because he “refused to open the coffers of the Amnesty Programme to certain groups of individuals.”

Call to Action..

We therefore call upon:

PAP delegates, beneficiaries, and Niger Delta community stakeholders to continue supporting Dr. Otuaro and his reform agenda. Unity behind reform-minded leadership is indispensable.

Media houses, civil society organisations, and youth groups to offer constructive feedback rather than destructive opposition. Let debates be about ideas and outcomes, not personalities.

Critics of Dr. Otuaro’s leadership to substantiate their allegations transparently and through proper channels, rather than behind the cover of gossip, clandestine campaigns, or destabilising tactics.

All arms of government — federal, state, and local — to give PAP the institutional backing it needs to fulfil its mandate. The region deserves no less.

Conclusion

We assert that the future of the Niger Delta and the wellbeing of its people will not be served by retreating into old patterns. For the Presidential Amnesty Programme to deliver on its promise of reintegration, empowerment, and development, it must be allowed to evolve under capable stewardship.

Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro has demonstrated the aptitude, commitment, and vision required for this task. We pledge our continued support for his success — and we urge others to abandon partisan posturing and join in the collective work of transforming the Niger Delta for the better.

Signed, Comrade Ozobo Austin President, Ijaw Publishers Forum November 6, 2025