The President General of notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has defended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, saying he deserves commendation rather than attacks from detractors.
Amb. Ibe was reacting to allegations that the PAP has become the “personal trust fund” of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
The ONC PG described the claims as the handiwork of detractors bent on undermining progress in the Niger Delta.
He said those calling for the removal of the PAP Administrator are only interested in perpetuating the “Pull-Him-Down syndrome” that has hindered development in the region.
“Let’s focus on the development of our region and stop pulling ourselves down,” Amb. Ibe stated.
According to him, the PAP scholarship scheme is not allocated based on ethnic affiliation, kingdom, political loyalty, or personal relationship with the Administrator, but on established procedures and eligibility requirements.
The ONC PG cautioned beneficiaries who are yet to be captured to exercise patience, noting that the process is ongoing and transparent.
“On behalf of the Orashi National Congress, I appeal for caution. The attempt to portray the Presidential Amnesty Programme as the property of any particular kingdom is unfortunate, false and intended to create unnecessary tension among ex-agitators and stakeholders in the Niger Delta,” he said.
Amb. Ibe commended Dr. Otuaro for significantly expanding educational opportunities for beneficiaries of the programme.
“It is on record that Dr Otuaro has significantly expanded educational opportunities for beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme, increasing the number of students enjoying local and foreign scholarships to levels never witnessed in the history of the programme,” he said.
The ONC President General urged stakeholders and ex-agitators to eschew bitterness and support the PAP leadership for the overall benefit of the region.
“Let’s eschew bitterness and learn to support ourselves for the betterment of the Niger Delta region,” Amb. Ibe concluded.