Warri, Nigeria – March 14, 2025
The President of the Southern Nigeria Peace Movement (SNPM), Comrade Wale Nice, has commended Dr. Dennis Otuaro for his outstanding leadership as he marks one year as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). Speaking to journalists, Comrade Wale praised Dr. Otuaro’s contributions to the Niger Delta’s development and strongly condemned attempts to discredit his achievements.
“Those who criticize Dr. Otuaro do so out of sheer malice, driven by the selfish mentality that ‘if it’s not me, then it shouldn’t be anyone else.’ Such wickedness is unacceptable,” he stated. “Today marks one year since Dr. Otuaro assumed office as the sole administrator of the amnesty programme. I congratulate him for making us all proud despite facing relentless lies, blackmail, and unfounded accusations.”
Key Achievements Under Dr. Otuaro’s Leadership
- Educational Advancement: Over 2,500 students have been deployed for onshore and offshore training, granting Niger Delta youths access to world-class education and professional development.
- Vocational Training: Thousands of beneficiaries have received essential skills to excel in various industries, enhancing job creation and self-sufficiency.
- Sustainable Peace and Security: The programme has played a vital role in maintaining stability in the Niger Delta, in line with its core mandate.
- Community Development: Several projects have been implemented to improve living conditions and foster sustainable growth in the region.
Despite these successes, the PAP faces financial hurdles, including an inherited ₦100 billion debt from previous administrations, which has left many vendors unpaid. However, Dr. Otuaro remains committed to addressing these challenges, with President Bola Tinubu promising to increase the programme’s budget to ₦200 billion.
Rebuttal of Allegations and Protest at the UN
Comrade Wale strongly condemned a recent protest at the United Nations headquarters, where paid agents falsely accused Dr. Otuaro of embezzling $40 million. He dismissed these allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“The total budget of the Amnesty Programme is ₦65 billion (approximately $42 million). If Dr. Otuaro had stolen $40 million in just one year, how could he have achieved so much with only $2 million? These accusations are fabrications by those who do not want the Niger Delta to progress,” he asserted.
He further clarified that over 60% of the programme’s budget is allocated to salaries, and no beneficiaries have been owed payments under Otuaro’s administration.
Empowering Women and Inclusive Leadership
Comrade Wale also commended Dr. Otuaro’s inclusive leadership, highlighting his efforts to actively involve women in the amnesty programme.
“It takes a leader like Otuaro, who understands the pain of the people—especially the mothers and wives who lost their sons and husbands—to ensure that women are carried along. A significant percentage of PAP’s initiatives are now dedicated to equipping women with skills, resources, and leadership opportunities,” he added.
Call for Continued Support and Urgent Intervention
In his closing remarks, Comrade Wale urged Dr. Otuaro to remain focused on his mission and assured him of unwavering support. He also called for urgent intervention to assist graduates of the programme in settling their school fees, enabling them to obtain their certificates and contribute to society.
“As you celebrate your one-year anniversary in office, we encourage you to continue your good work, keep making us proud, and show the world that someone from Warri can drive meaningful change and contribute to national progress,” he concluded.