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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Ex-agitators in Akwa Ibom State has kicked against calls by some interest groups for a change of leadership in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), saying it would be counterproductive.
The ex-agitators, in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, expressed support for the PAP Administrator, Dennis Otuaro, stating that he has demonstrated commitment to the core objectives of the programme since assumption of office.
The ex-agitators, the letter jointly signed by the Elder Imoh Okoko Udom Ebetor, Sunday Afia and Inyang Okon chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and PRO, Akwa Ibom Ex-agitators Forum, noted Otuaro has been committed to human capital development, reintegration and maintenance of constructive relationship among others.
“In our considered view, the Presidential Amnesty Programme is not merely a platform for the payment of monthly stipends. It is a strategic peace-building and conflict-prevention intervention of the Federal Government, established to address the underlying conditions that contributed to militancy and instability in the Niger Delta.
“Consequently, the effectiveness of its Administrator should be assessed holistically, including his efforts toward human capital development, skills acquisition, education, entrepreneurship, empowerment, reintegration and the maintenance of constructive relationships with stakeholders in the region.
“We believe Dr. Otuaro has approached these responsibilities with diligence, consultation and a clear understanding of the sensitive nature of the Programme.”
Furthermore, the ex-agitators added that “we are concerned by recent attempts by certain individuals and interest groups to portray the leadership of Dr. Otuaro negatively and to demand his removal from office.
“While constructive criticism is legitimate in a democratic society, we respectfully submit that some of the voices calling for his removal appear to be motivated by personal, political or sectional interests rather than the overall interest of the Niger Delta and the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“It would therefore be counterproductive to allow the Programme to be subjected to unnecessary leadership changes based on allegations, grievances or demands that have not been objectively established.”
The group, while commending President Tinubu for his commitment to national development, also lauded the National Security Adviser (NSA) for his efforts towards strengthening national security, passed a vote of confidence on Otuaro.
