Presidential Amnesty Program Beneficiaries Hold Solidarity Rally in Yenagoa to Celebrate Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s First Year of Leadership

Thousands of beneficiaries under the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP) gathered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to celebrate the first anniversary of Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro’s leadership as Administrator of the program. The solidarity rally brought together leaders and beneficiaries from all three phases of the PAP, highlighting the remarkable progress achieved in just one year under Dr. Otuaro’s guidance.

The Presidential Amnesty Program, established over a decade ago to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta, has seen various administrators contribute to its growth. However, many attendees praised Dr. Otuaro for ushering in what they described as a new era of empowerment and sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, the National Chairman of PAP Phase 2, Gen. Ibena Rufus Salvation, commended Dr. Otuaro’s dedication to improving the lives of ex-agitators and enhancing the overall impact of the program. He highlighted the Administrator’s efforts in vocational training, reintegration, and other empowerment initiatives as evidence of his transformative leadership.

“Dr. Otuaro has redefined leadership in the Amnesty Program,” Gen. Salvation said. “His approach to empowerment has not only brought hope to beneficiaries but has restored confidence in the program’s objectives. His achievements within just one year speak volumes.”

Gen. Salvation also expressed gratitude to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a capable and visionary leader like Dr. Otuaro to oversee the program. He extended his appreciation to the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other key stakeholders for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in the program’s recent successes.

In a strong message, Gen. Salvation condemned what he described as blackmail, lies, and propaganda attacks aimed at discrediting Dr. Otuaro. He accused “dubious and unscrupulous elements” of trying to disrupt the peace in the Niger Delta through false protests and fabricated accusations.

“We will not allow selfish individuals to destabilize the progress we have achieved,” he declared. “Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has brought hope and transformation. We stand firmly behind him and will not tolerate attempts to undermine the peace and development we are building.”

Throughout the rally, chants of solidarity and gratitude filled the air as beneficiaries praised the reforms introduced under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership. Many described his tenure as a turning point for the Amnesty Program, with renewed focus on strategic empowerment initiatives and sustainable peace in the region.

The event concluded with ex-agitators reaffirming their support for the Federal Government’s peace agenda while calling for further reforms to strengthen the program. The rally ended on a note of unity and optimism, with a collective commitment to ensuring continued progress in the Niger Delta.