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32 NDDC Scholars Excel In UK University

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32 NDDC Scholars Excel In UK University

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has celebrated 32 beneficiaries of its Post Graduate Scholarship Programme, who graduated with distinctions from Coventry University in the United Kingdom.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, led a delegation of NDDC directors to join the students at their graduation ceremony in Coventry.

In the team were the Directors of Education, Health, and Social Services, Dr. George Uzonwanne, Dr. Angela Awele Chukwudifu, and Deputy Director, Dr. Bomiegha Ehiokioya.

Addressing the scholars at Coventry University, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer praised the scholars for being good ambassadors of the Niger Delta region, noting that no scholar from the Commission had ever been associated with any vice or misconduct.

Ogbuku commended the scholars for their achievements, which had brought pride to the NDDC and Niger Deltans, remarking that Niger Delta students studying in the United Kingdom stand out as exceptionally bright.

“This is evident in the honours bestowed upon NDDC Scholars by universities in the United Kingdom. Their notable achievements and exemplary conduct illustrate that we are indeed admirable individuals,” he said.

He observed that previous beneficiaries of the scholarship programme set enviable standards for subsequent groups, stating: “It is remarkable that 18 of our scholars graduated with distinction in Coventry University last year.”

The NDDC boss stated that the Commission was very serious with its human capital development programmes, noting that education was the most powerful weapon for changing the fortunes of the Niger Delta region.

He said further: “I am thrilled to be in Coventry to celebrate our scholars. Their outstanding performance confirms the transparent process through which the beneficiaries were selected.”

The Managing Director noted that the visit allowed the NDDC team to discuss collaborative arrangements between Coventry University and universities in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku remarked that the scholars who did not make distinctions may have been deficient in computer education, noting that computer illiteracy was a challenge. He said, “The education system in the United Kingdom incorporates technology and employs blended learning techniques, which may be unfamiliar to many Nigerian scholars.

Henceforth, applicants seeking the upcoming NDDC foreign Post-Graduate Scholarship award are required to provide proof of their computer proficiency.”
Mr. Royal Nwachukwu, a cybersecurity graduate, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the scholarship programme, which had enhanced their opportunities for employment He appealed to the Commission to continue with the initiative and improve on it to allow more indigenes of the Niger Delta to reap its benefits.

Nwachukwu assured that the Beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme would continue to strive for excellence and enhance the region’s prestige. He also pledged the commitment of the scholars to use their knowledge and skills to serve the people of the Niger Delta region.

 

Ambode Support Group Hails Emergence of Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman

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Ambode Support Group Hails Emergence of Nentawe Yilwatda as APC National Chairman

The Ambode Support Group (ASG) has extended warm congratulations to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda on his emergence as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as as a refreshing signal of the party’s renewed commitment to integrity, merit, and true democratic values.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Pius Babaleye, the group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exemplary foresight in supporting a leader with a clean record, strong nationalist credentials, and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s electoral processes.

“We applaud President Bola Tinubu for supporting the emergence of a man of impeccable integrity and proven patriotism. Engr. Nentawe Yilwatda brings to the APC a new wave of leadership that reflects the hopes of millions of party faithful across the country. He is not only a technocrat but also a democrat with no stain of corruption, a quality that stands him out in today’s political landscape,” Babaleye stated.

The group also highlighted Yilwatda’s strategic value to the party, noting his professional background as an engineer and his experience as a former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, which has equipped him with vital insights into Nigeria’s electoral system. This, they said, would be crucial in strengthening the party’s internal democratic processes and electoral preparedness.

“As the APC governorship candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 general elections, Yilwatda demonstrated courage, capacity, and a clear vision for inclusive governance. His elevation to national chairman now provides a great opportunity for him to bring that same energy to reposition our party for future success,” the statement added.

The Ambode Support Group reiterated its unwavering support for the leadership of President Tinubu and expressed confidence that under the stewardship of Engr. Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC would be further united and re-energized ahead of future electoral contests.

It also urged Lagosians to support the emergence of Akinwumi Ambode as the governorship candidate of the party in Lagos come 2027, expressing hope that it will be an opportunity to complete his legacy projects in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos.

NDDC Donates Mobility Aids To Persons With Disabilities In Bayelsa

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NDDC Donates Mobility Aids To Persons With Disabilities In Bayelsa

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has donated supportive aids and mobility devices to persons living with disabilities in Bayelsa State.

Speaking at an awareness programme organised for people with disabilities at the NDDC Bayelsa State office in Yenagoa, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged persons with disabilities to maintain a positive outlook and not feel inferior due to their disabilities.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Director of the Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamiesiegha, acknowledged the importance of encouraging people living with different challenges.

He advised: “Life is a privilege, and you should be proud of yourself. NDDC is committed to inclusivity and the social welfare of all persons in the Niger Delta region. This is not the first time we have supported persons with disabilities, and it certainly will not be the last. We cherish and love you, and we urge you to persevere because where there is a will, there is a way.”

The NDDC boss promised that the Commission would continue to prioritise the welfare of persons with disabilities in its programmes.

He stated: “The NDDC Board and Management recognise your challenges, and we always plan for you.”

Technical Adviser on NDDC to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Nyenye Kuro Matthias, acknowledged the event’s impact, stating that it was the first time persons with disabilities had gathered in large numbers to benefit from such a well-structured initiative.

He remarked, “We deeply appreciate this gesture from NDDC. We assure you that the supportive aids will be used well. We urge the NDDC to consider PWDs in their youth and women’s training programmes and employment opportunities.”

Giving a mental health awareness talk, the lead facilitator, Dr Daniel Smile George, emphasised the need to recognise mental health as a form of disability, citing global statistics that indicate a high level of mental health challenges.

He stressed: “Raising awareness about mental health will encourage individuals to seek help early, thereby reducing mental health disorders within the society.”

The Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Bayelsa State, Mr. Ekpomokumor Mayor, thanked the NDDC for the donations and support to persons living with disabilities.

He said: “We thank the NDDC for its continued support to our members. We are grateful to the medical personnel and support staff for all their contributions to ensure the execution of this programme.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Dennis Stephen, expressed his gratitude after receiving a wheelchair. He said that he had struggled with mobility since his leg was deformed.

“Before today, moving around was a challenge. NDDC has given me a new opportunity to regain my mobility, and for that, I am grateful,” he said.

The NDDC distributed mobility aids, including wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames, mobility aids for the visually impaired, hearing aids and visual aids.

 

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

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AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

…..NIGER DELTA ETHNIC NATIONALITIES YOUTH LEADERS CONDEMNED IN TOTALITY CRISIS-INCITNG STATEMENT AGAINST PINL & THE OLU OF WARRI KINGDOM

…CALLS ON MR PRESIDENT FOR URGENT DECLARATION OF WARRANT OF ARREST TO THE GROUP FOR THREATENING THE EXISTING FRAGILE PEACE IN THE REGION

The umbrella body of all ethnic nationalities in the States of the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for Peace & Development has sent a letter to President Bola Tinubu and all service Chiefs over the alleged attempt by some groups of aggrieved former Militant leaders to provoke security infraction in the region over recent derogatory statements against the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a company chaired by His Imperial Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II (CFR).

According to the group, the accused ex-agitators under the Aggressive Niger Delta Freedom Fighters Forum’ recently issued a statement on social media, calling on the Presidency to terminate the legally awarded pipeline surveillance contract to the PINL, the group is faceless and the statement made reckless and without the backing of the ethnic nationalities in the region.

The Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for Peace & Development, in the open letter titled “Condemnation of Crisis-Inciting Statements Against PINL and the Olu of Warri – A Call for Urgent Presidential Intervention” and signed by its National President, Snr. Amb. Tamuno James (Rivers),
Oritsemeyuwa (Itsekiri), Comr. Udoh Akpan Bassey (Ibibio – Akwa Ibom), Comr. Paul Oromosele (Edo), Comr. Aruwotonye (Ogoni)
Comr. Fred Tijala (Ilaje – Ondo), Snr. Comr. Asuquo Akpan (Efik – Cross River), Comr. Hope Agadaba (Bayelsa), Comr. Amos Keledichuwu (Igbo – Imo State), Snr. Comr Ejiro Oghenerume AKA Last Don (Uhrobo – Delta State), Comr. Ufuoma Oterioghene (Isoko – Delta State) and Snr. Comr. Ifeanyi Ebele (Ndokwa – Delta State).

The letter was made available to newsmen via electronic mail after an emergency meeting of urgent national concern by the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum For Peace And Development conveyed by the National President of the forum, Snr Comr Amb Tamuno James in Port Harcourt City of Rivers State.

The leaders of the ethnic nationalities across the nine oil-producing states of the Niger Delta region, stated in the letter that they convey in the strongest terms, our outright condemnation of a recent, reckless statement by a faceless and non-existent group calling itself the ‘Aggrieved Niger Delta Freedom Fighters Forum’.

According to the group, “This so-called group recently released a misguided and highly provocative petition on social media, calling on Your Excellency Sir, to terminate the legally awarded pipeline surveillance contract being executed by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a company chaired by His Imperial Majesty, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II (CFR).”

“We regard such calls as nothing short of an open invitation to chaos, and a calculated attempt to destabilize the fragile peace that the Niger Delta region has worked so hard to maintain over the years.The baseless suggestion that PINL should be barred from operating in Ijaw territories is a direct affront to peace, unity, and the collective aspirations of the region’s ethnic nationalities.”

“We are particularly concerned that the so-called Aggrieved Freedom Fighters Forum went as far as issuing a petition to Your Excellency, accusing PINL of alleged marginalization of Ijaw youths, rampant bunkering activities, sponsoring tribal conflict, forceful renaming of Ijaw communities, and laying false territorial claims over Ijaw and Urhobo lands.”

“Such inflammatory claims, lacking verifiable evidence, are aimed at creating division, inciting violence, and discrediting a legitimate contractor performing national assignments.”

“For the record and clarity, the national leadership of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for Peace and Development wishes to categorically counter these baseless allegations as follows: On the allegation of marginalization:
It is on record that PINL employs all surveillance and security personnel directly from host communities, including Ijaw territories along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor.”

“The claim of exclusion is false and mischievous. Among all surveillance contractors in the Niger Delta, PINL remains the only company that holds monthly stakeholder engagement meetings with traditional rulers, women groups, youth leaders, and community representatives. This includes the IYC, MOSEIND, Ogoni Youth Council, Bonny Federated Body and others, in Rivers and Bayelsa states, with NNPC Limited, NSA, and military officials in attendance.”

XOn the allegation of unchecked bunkering:
This is clearly a distortion of facts. The PINL-managed sections of the Trans Niger Pipeline, spanning Bonny to Nembe Creek and across host communities in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, and Imo states, have remained vandalism-free for years.”

“This exceptional record is known and acknowledged by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC Limited, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. No other contractor has achieved such performance in our history.”

“On the accusation of sponsoring tribal conflict: The alleged link between the Olu of Warri and a British national found with weapons is spurious and defamatory. His Imperial Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) is a globally respected first-class monarch, a peace ambassador across the Middle East and Africa, and an internationally educated statesman with numerous academic honours.”

” He cannot be reduced to the level of engaging with faceless individuals who fail to provide any legal proof of land ownership within Warri Kingdom.”

“On the renaming of Ijaw communities:
The communities cited (such as Okenrenkoko to Okenrenghigho, Oporoza to Opuraza, and Azama to Azatiton) have long histories and names that reflect their original linguistic and cultural evolution. The claim of “forceful renaming” is a deliberate misrepresentation of reality designed to stoke ethnic tension.”

“On territorial claims: The Olu of Warri is the recognized traditional landlord of the vast oil and gas-bearing lands in the three Warri Local Government Areas. These lands host critical oil assets and facilities contributing over 35% of Nigeria’s daily crude and gas production. Any challenge to these facts should be backed with legal documentation, not sponsored media propaganda.”

“Moreover, we also find it necessary to highlight the developmental strides by PINL. The company has provided over 646 scholarships to youths from host communities, constructed borehole water projects, and distributed relief materials to over 150 communities impacted by the 2021 floods across Bayelsa, Rivers, and Imo states.”

” Unlike some other contractors operating in parts of Delta, Bayelsa, and Ondo, PINL has never used security personnel to intimidate or suppress any host community leader or stakeholder.We wish to categorically state that the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum for Peace & Development stands firmly behind the Olu of Warri and the operations of PINL in all parts of the region. We recognize and support the company’s legitimate mandate to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure, which is critical to our national economy.”

“Mr. President, we respectfully urge you to treat this inciteful group as a threat to national security and declare them wanted for inciting violence and attempting to destabilize the now peaceful Niger Delta region. These elements, whose sole interest is profiting from instability and violence, must not be allowed to reverse the gains we have made in peace-building and economic stability.”

“We, the youth leaders from all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, remain committed to peace, justice, and equitable development. We believe in your leadership and trust that you will treat this issue with the urgency it demands to prevent the resurgence of crisis in our region.”

2027: Epe Stakeholders Forum Seeks Support for Ambode’s Return as Lagos Governor, Tinubu’s Second Term

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2027: Epe Stakeholders Forum Seeks Support for Ambode’s Return as Lagos Governor, Tinubu’s Second Term

The Coordinator of the Epe Division Stakeholders Forum, Mr. Adewale Kazeem, has called on Lagosians across all divisions to rally support for the return of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as the next governor of Lagos State in the 2027 election.

Speaking in Epe during a consultative meeting with political and community leaders, Kazeem said Ambode’s leadership brought visible transformation to Lagos, particularly in infrastructure, public service delivery, and inclusive governance. He described the former governor as “a visionary leader whose developmental strides continue to speak for him.”

“Lagos deserves a forward-thinking and people-oriented leader like Akinwunmi Ambode, who served with integrity, transparency, and exceptional performance in his first term in office. The time has come for Lagosians to rewrite the story of our state by supporting his return to the seat of power in 2027,” Kazeem stated.

He further noted that Ambode’s achievements, especially in Epe, remain unmatched and that his return would guarantee renewed progress for the state’s economic and social development.

Kazeem also threw his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid, praising his administration’s efforts in stabilizing the economy, driving infrastructural expansion, and restoring Nigeria’s global standing.

“President Tinubu’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results. His second term is crucial to consolidating these gains and completing ongoing national projects. We urge Nigerians to give him the needed support to finish strong,” he added.

The Epe Division Stakeholders Forum reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing grassroots support across Lagos State in the coming months, promising a robust campaign for both Ambode and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reserved Seats Bill: Women Deserve A Special Seat At The Table – Elezieanya

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Reserved Seats Bill: Women Deserve A Special Seat At The Table – Elezieanya

In a concerted efforts to increase female representation in Nigeria’s political landscape, South-South Coordinator of the Reserved Seats for Women Campaign, Ebimoboere Alaibe Elezieanya called on lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure the passage of House Bill a constitutional amendment proposing additional legislative seats exclusively for women.

She made this call while speaking with our correspondent on the sidelines of a high-level press conference on the national campaign for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, held in Abuja on Monday.

Elezieanya explained that the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to reserve 37 seats in the House of Representatives (one per state and the FCT), 37 in the Senate, and three additional seats per State House of Assembly for women.

“This is not a gift; it’s a corrective bill. It seeks to address the long-standing injustice of excluding nearly half of Nigeria’s population from decision-making,” she stated.

She explained that the bill is a critical response to gender imbalance in governance and a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

“Women make up almost 50% of Nigeria’s population, yet this is not reflected in our parliament. This bill is about legitimacy, improved lawmaking, and national development, the impact of this bill will be major, the passage of this bill will ensure that women in the rural area are no longer marginalized, the political parties will be carried along because women’s voices will be heard at all levels, what we should be asking ourselves is that what will be the cost of not implementing this bill, it will mean that again in the next election circle, the Nigerian woman will not be taken into account, it means that again in trying to restructure our constitutional amendment we have not taken women into account, so the cost of not implementing this bill is much more than implementing it.” she said.

Reflecting on recent zonal public hearings, Elezieanya described the South-South women’s turnout as “enthusiastic and united.” She noted that commissioners, councillors, and civil society groups across Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River States strongly backed the bill.

“From the testimonies and position papers, it’s clear, Nigerian women are ready to lead and be represented,” she said.

Elezieanya urged lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly to make history by passing the bill, which has previously failed in the 8th and 9th Assemblies.

“We are pleading with our fathers and uncles in parliament to hear the cry of Nigerian women. This is a defining moment. Nigeria must get it right,” she emphasized.

While debunking the stereotype that women do not support one another, she insisted that the campaign has unified all major women’s groups across the country adding that the position will be contested thereby producing the best and most qualified candidates after every election circle.

“The world is watching Nigeria. This bill is our opportunity to lead Africa in gender-responsive governance,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, Others Set to Grace 2025 LASCOTA Day 

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Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, Others Set to Grace 2025 LASCOTA Day 

Plans have been fully put in place for the 2025 Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA) which comes comes up July 24, 2025 in Agidingbi in Ikeja Lagos.

LASCOTA is the umbrella body coordinating the activities of over 70 registered Tradesmen and Artisans associations in Lagos State, with over a members spread across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

The LASCOTA Day 2025 will have as the chief host, governor of Lagos state, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, special guest of honour, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly is Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and top officials of Lagos state government.

Also expected in attendance is the Grand Patron, His Eminence, Cardinal James Odumbaku and others, including top officials of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and key players in the private sector.

In a release signed by the association’s President: Engr. Lawrence Ajayi, LASCOTA said the gathering presents an opportunity to highlight the huge roles Tradesmen and Artisans play in driving nation-building.

He called on all members of the association to come out in their large numbers to be part of the 2025 LASCOTA Day.

LASCOTA leadership under Engr. Ajayi as the President, along with the General Secretary: Mr. Durojaye Obamuyi and Treasurer: Mr. Yesiru Bello had earlier met with the Grand Patron, His Eminence, Cardinal Odunmbaku where it presented him with plan to organize empowerment scheme for tradesmen and artisans in line with the developmental agenda of the Lagos State Government.

The association also reiterated its commitment to skills development, business formalization, and effective representation of its members at the grassroots.

 

ADF Calls For Creation Of Awori State From Lagos

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ADF Calls For Creation Of Awori State From Lagos

Original inhabitants of Lagos, Awori, have called for the creation of Awori State in the Lagos West of the senatorial district of the State, saying it is long overdue.

Under the aegis of Awori Development Forum (ADF), the indigenes made their submission at the just concluded South West constitution review hearing by the National Assembly, which took place in Lagos.

Represented by elders from the Awori clan, ADF said the creation of Awori State in the current Lagos West senatorial district will help reduce discriminatory practices the original inhabitants of Lagos have over the years faced despite owning most of resources in the state,

Representatives of the ADF submitted a proposal where they strongly made a case for the creation of Awori State, noting that the constituency which the incumbent President Bola Tinubu once represented in the Senate has been sidelined in the management of the state’s affairs.

Buttressing this submission in a statement, the Coordinator of ADF, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade argued that the creation of the state will strengthen fair representation, economic growth, and better resource allocation that will accelerate development in the area and give the people a sense of inclusion in their own land.

He also supported the autonomy of local governments, noting that it would enhance development at the grassroots and reduce the burden on the states.

We are Committed To Holistic Development Of Niger Delta – NDDC Boss

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We are Committed To Holistic Development Of Niger Delta – NDDC Boss

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission to the holistic development of the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Isoko Ethnic Nationality, led by the President General of Isoko Development Union, Prof. Chris Akpotu, at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated that the Commission was open to all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region, noting that its mandate was to serve the people and ensure the sustainable development of all communities in the area.

Ogbuku remarked, “We all face the same challenges. Therefore, we must all work together to address our challenges, regardless of our ethnicity. These challenges, like underdevelopment and ecological problems, bring us all together.”

“We are all united by a common factor: the challenges we face. We must maintain this identity. We should leverage our bond, as standing alone may not be as strong as our collective strength.”

“The Isoko and Ijaw people are essentially one people because we share a common lineage and we inter-marry. Our ancestral origins connect us, and we must recognise ourselves as one to achieve better development together.”

Ogbuku noted that the current NDDC Board and Management were committed to rewriting the Commission’s narrative through transparency, equity, and purposeful leadership.

He stated that under the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and within the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Commission was focused on transforming ideas into visible achievements.

He stated: “When we speak of the Renewed Hope Agenda, it is not just a slogan, it is a social contract between Mr. President and the Niger Delta people. It’s about translating vision into action. But we cannot afford to lose time. That is why we must all work together.”.

Ogbuku charged the Isoko delegation to continue to support the NDDC in its efforts to develop the region, advising them to avoid casting aspersions on the Commission, which he said was the only agency with visible projects in many Niger Delta communities.

Responding to concerns raised by the Isoko delegation, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC was reviewing the electrification project being executed by the Commission in the area. “Although this administration did not award the project, we are investigating the variations and challenges involved so the contractor can return to the site,” he said.

He also addressed the state of the Uzere-Patani Road, parts of which were damaged by flooding and erosion. “Plans are already underway to re-award the contract, and we will ensure the road is rehabilitated,” he said.

On broader development efforts, Ogbuku pointed out that projects across Isoko land were planned and deliberate. “We are replicating the training centre model we successfully executed in Bayelsa in Ozoro and Patani.

Earlier in his remarks, the President General of the Isoko Development Union, Prof. Chris Akpotu, congratulated the NDDC boss on the successful celebration of NDDC’s 25th anniversary and applauded the Commission’s transformation under his leadership.

“Under your leadership, the NDDC has moved from a transactional agency to a transformational one, despite the challenges of funding from IOCs. You have kept your word on inclusivity, and that is why we are here to thank you and to ask for more developmental projects in Isoko land,” Akpotu said.

He added: “We are confident that under your stewardship, the NDDC will continue to serve the entire Niger Delta with integrity and justice. It is our prayer that you continue to lead the Commission so that we can continue to enjoy the dividends of development.”

 

Niger Delta Coalition Rallies Behind Amnesty Programme Boss, Dismisses Corruption Allegations as Politically Motivated

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Niger Delta Coalition Rallies Behind Amnesty Programme Boss, Dismisses Corruption Allegations as Politically Motivated

The Niger Delta Coalition Group, a wide network of civil society organisations, community leaders, youth groups, and advocacy stakeholders across the oil-rich region, has firmly rejected recent allegations of corruption and mismanagement levelled against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by the group’s spokesperson, High Chief Comrade Preye Ebizimor, the coalition described the claims as “baseless, malicious and politically driven,” noting that they were orchestrated by detractors seeking to derail the renewed gains under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership. The statement was issued in response to a petition reportedly credited to a faceless group, “Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change,” which had called for an EFCC probe of the PAP.

According to the Coalition, the allegations are the handiwork of “self-seeking actors who no longer enjoy unrestricted access and patronage they had under past administrations.” Ebizimor stressed that the Amnesty Programme, under Dr. Otuaro, has undergone commendable reforms, transitioning from mere documentation of ex-agitators to implementing sustainable empowerment and reintegration strategies.

“Dr. Otuaro is not running a personal empire,” said Chief Clara Ebiwei, a respected voice from Bayelsa. “He is rebuilding an institution that is crucial to the peace and future of the Niger Delta.”

The group cited strategic stakeholder engagement, vocational and educational training initiatives, and renewed community-based empowerment schemes as clear signs of the Programme’s transformation under the current leadership. It emphasised that the Administrator’s approach aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, placing inclusivity, transparency, and peace-building at the core of PAP’s mandate.

Warning against the politicisation of the Programme, the group said attempts to weaponise the EFCC for media trials would only undermine hard-won peace and stability in the region.

“The EFCC is not a political tool,” Ebizimor asserted. “If anyone has genuine claims, they should approach appropriate legal channels instead of resorting to populist blackmail.”

Calling for unity and forward momentum, the Niger Delta Coalition urged all sons and daughters of the region to support Dr. Otuaro’s vision of transforming PAP into a vehicle for economic inclusion, youth development, and lasting peace.

“This is the time to build, not destroy,” the statement concluded. “The future of the Niger Delta must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal grievances.”

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