Why Attack Dennis Burutu Otuaro: Niger Delta youth leader Defends PAP Administrator, Says He Has Set New Record in Programme

Why Attack Dennis Burutu Otuaro: Niger Delta youth leader Defends PAP Administrator, Says He Has Set New Record in Programme 

By EgbemaVoice,

Niger Delta Youth Leader Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, popularly known as KingdomVoice, has come to the defence of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, urging those behind the recent attacks, petitions and protests against the PAP boss to stop what he described as a sustained campaign against a man who has made significant contributions to the programme.

Comrade Mingo, in a statement, said Dr. Otuaro's administration has recorded notable achievements since assuming office, describing his performance as a significant milestone in the history of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

According to him, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro has raised the standard of leadership and administration within PAP, particularly through initiatives aimed at strengthening human capital development, empowerment, education, skills acquisition and other interventions targeted at Niger Delta beneficiaries.

He maintained that Otuaro's accomplishments deserve recognition rather than what he described as continuous attacks from individuals and groups who ought to be concerned about the progress and sustainability of the programme.

Comrade Mingo questioned the rationale behind what he described as persistent criticism of the PAP Administrator, asking why individuals who claim to be concerned about the Niger Delta would seek to undermine the leadership of an administrator whose tenure, according to him, has produced visible results. He said:

Why are these people attacking High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro? Is it because he has raised the standard of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and is achieving results?

The Niger Delta youth leader recalled that the Presidential Amnesty Programme was established under the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as part of the Federal Government's response to militancy and the need to promote peace, reintegration and development in the Niger Delta.

He argued that successive administrations have contributed to the evolution of PAP, but insisted that Otuaro's tenure deserves particular attention for what he described as improvements in the structure and delivery of the programme.

Comrade Mingo further described Dr. Otuaro as a former creek fighter who understands the realities and challenges of the Niger Delta from experience. He said, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro understands the Niger Delta struggle. He knows where the pains are, he knows the expectations of the people, and he understands what the Presidential Amnesty Programme means to our people.

According to him, Otuaro has quietly worked to establish what he called “a standard platform” capable of delivering sustainable opportunities to PAP beneficiaries and contributing to the broader development of the region.

He urged Niger Delta stakeholders, youth leaders, traditional rulers and beneficiaries of the programme to examine the policies, projects and achievements of the current administration objectively rather than allowing personal disagreements or political interests to dominate public discourse.

The Niger Delta youth leader also criticized what he described as attempts by some individuals to exploit regional issues for personal advantage.

He alleged that some of those attacking the PAP leadership had previously supported other political and administrative interests for personal benefits, while failing to demonstrate a consistent commitment to the long-term development of the Niger Delta.

Comrade Mingo stressed that the primary concern of Niger Delta stakeholders should be the welfare of the people, particularly young people who depend on intervention programmes such as PAP for education, skills acquisition, empowerment and economic opportunities.

He called on stakeholders to put the collective interest of the Niger Delta and Ijaw people above personal interests. Comrade Mingo therefore appealed to those behind petitions and protests against Dr. Otuaro to reconsider their position and allow the PAP administration to continue its work.

He said criticism is legitimate in a democratic society, but maintained that such criticism should be based on verifiable facts and should be aimed at improving the programme rather than destabilizing it. We must stop attacking people who are working for the development of our region. If there are genuine concerns, let them be presented constructively. But where there are achievements, let us also acknowledge them.

He concluded by calling on Niger Delta youths to remain vigilant and united in protecting programmes and institutions that contribute to the development of the region.

Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka (KingdomVoice)

Niger Delta Youth Leader