By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.
The National Leadership of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, the umbrella body of committed All Progressives Congress (APC) youths across the nine Niger Delta states comprising ex-agitators, party stakeholders, and human rights activists, have condemned in totality, the false allegations and cheap blackmail targeted against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.
The group made its position known during an emergency press conference held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to address what it described as “an unfortunate wave of fabricated stories and politically motivated blackmail being circulated by a few disgruntled individuals uncomfortable with the transparent and excellent work being done by Dr. Otuaro in the Amnesty Office.
According to the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, in a statement read to the press and signed by the President/ National Coordinator, Senior. Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder and National Secretary, Dr. AK Peters, strongly condemn these baseless and malicious allegations, which are sponsored by misguided, unpatriotic, and disgruntled elements. These elements are best described as idols of underdevelopment in the region.
According to the group, these agents of distraction have chosen the path of falsehood and blackmail rather than contributing to peace and progress, simply because they cannot withstand the visible transformation and transparency that Chief Dr. Otuaro has brought to the Presidential Amnesty Programme in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The group stated that “Since assuming office, Chief Dr. Otuaro has demonstrated visionary, pragmatic, foresighted, and transparent leadership that has repositioned and transformed the Presidential Amnesty Programme from a transactional initiative benefitting a few individuals into a credible, people-oriented, and transparent human-capital development platform.”
“Under his administration, the PAP has:
Implemented large-scale vocational and technical training programmes for ex-agitators, Niger Delta youths, and women both within Nigeria and in reputable international institutions in the United Kingdom and other countries, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope mantra.Expanded educational scholarship opportunities, professional certification, maritime, and seafaring training to global standards for human capacity building.”
“He promoted a culture of accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and open-door governance, engaging critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, and youth leaders across the region and aligned the Amnesty Programme with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, transforming Niger Delta youths from agitation to productivity, and from restiveness to responsible nation-building.”
“Through his dynamic and people-oriented leadership, the Amnesty Programme has become a cornerstone of sustainable peace, socio-economic growth, and development in the Niger Delta.”
The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard also commended High Chief Tompolo for his patriotic commitment to safeguarding national assets and securing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
According to the group, “Tompolo, through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has played a key role in boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production, which has risen from under 900,000 barrels per day to nearly 2 million barrels per day. His collaboration with security agencies has ensured relative peace, protection of vital infrastructure, and restoration of confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas operations.”
The group noted that together, Dr. Otuaro and Government Ekpemupolo represent a new era of responsible leadership, partnership, and patriotism in the Niger Delta, in perfect alignment with President Tinubu’s vision of national unity, prosperity, and inclusive growth.
The group, however, warned against Political Sabotage and Blackmail, warning those circulating fabricated allegations and malicious propaganda against these respected sons of the Niger Delta to desist immediately.
The group described such campaigns of deceit and character assassination as not only counterproductive but also as direct attacks on the peace, stability, and economic progress currently being enjoyed under President Tinubu’s leadership.
The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard declared that it will no longer tolerate any form of cheap blackmail or unfounded allegations orchestrated by known enemies of peace and development in the region. Should these unpatriotic actors persist, the group said it would have no choice but to declare them “enemies of peace and economic stability” in the Niger Delta.
The group however declared that in view of Chief Dr. Otuaru’s unprecedented achievements, transparent governance, and loyalty to the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leadership of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard hereby passes a resounding Vote of Confidence on Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The group also recognizes and appreciates High Chief Tompolo for his outstanding contributions to peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta region.
“The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty, full support, and total commitment to the visionary leadership of Dr. Otuaru, and to the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu.”