Senator James Manager, who represented Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2003 to 2023, has attributed some of the challenges facing the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to deliberate distractions by certain elements working against the interests of the Ijaw nation and the broader Niger Delta region.
According to Manager, these malicious efforts aim to distract the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, from fulfilling his responsibilities. He made this statement during a consultative visit by Otuaro to his Abuja residence over the weekend. Manager praised Otuaro for his effective leadership in managing the PAP office despite these hurdles.
A statement issued by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, on Sunday, quoted Manager as acknowledging Otuaro’s competence and dedication since taking office. He pointed out that Otuaro’s handling of the programme demonstrated a deep understanding of the PAP’s mandate, suggesting he had prior insight into how to manage the initiative even before his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Having served Delta South for two decades, Manager expressed confidence in Otuaro’s knowledge of the Niger Delta’s issues and the challenges of the PAP. He encouraged the PAP administrator to remain focused and commended him for making significant strides in repositioning the programme for greater service to the region and the country at large.
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Manager emphasized that the programme was created to ensure lasting peace, security, stability, and development in the Niger Delta. He added that Otuaro’s efforts aligned with these objectives.
In response, Otuaro noted that the programme had reached the reintegration phase, which has a wide scope. He stressed the need for additional funding to expand the PAP’s educational, vocational, and post-training empowerment initiatives. These efforts, he said, aim to further the sustainable peace, security, and development of the region.
Otuaro added, “We are committed to ensuring the betterment of our people and our region through the initiatives we are implementing, despite the challenges we face.”
