A CALL FOR UNITY: SUPPORTING DR. DENNIS OTUARO IN HIS COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL STABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT, BY MICHAEL TIDI

In the words of Ken Saro-Wiwa, “The struggle for our rights is the struggle for our humanity.” This profound insight resonates deeply with the current situation surrounding Dr. Dennis Otuaro, who faces unwarranted calls for his removal as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). These demands overlook the substantial contributions Otuaro has made toward promoting peace, stability, and development in the Niger Delta. It is essential to defend his leadership and encourage President Tinubu to dismiss these baseless calls.

Otuaro’s dedication to the Niger Delta is unwavering. His focus on fostering collaboration with key stakeholders demonstrates his commitment to regional inclusivity and stability. Under his leadership, the PAP has made significant strides in overcoming challenges and advancing its goals.

As the first core Deltan—one who actively participated in the region’s struggle for rights—to hold this esteemed position, Otuaro’s leadership reflects not only the capability of the Niger Delta people but also a beacon of hope for the region’s future. His achievements speak to the importance of continued progress under his stewardship. For the first time since Otuaro took over, groups such as the Itsekiri, Urhobo—where the writer hail from—Isoko, and Kwale are experiencing a newfound sense of belonging, alongside the Ijaw community.

Otuaro’s administration has been instrumental in restoring peace to the Niger Delta. Through proactive engagement with traditional rulers, state governors, youth organizations, and former leaders of the region’s struggle, he has fostered a spirit of dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, violent incidents in the Niger Delta have decreased by approximately 40% since Otuaro took office, leading to an improved quality of life for residents and a more stable environment conducive to investment and development.

One of the most tangible outcomes of Otuaro’s efforts is the increase in oil production, a critical element of Nigeria’s economy. Under his leadership, oil output has risen from 1.5 million to 1.7 million barrels per day, a 13% increase. This boost has significantly contributed to government revenue, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reporting an additional $3.5 billion in revenue attributed to this increase, supporting vital national development initiatives.

Otuaro has also prioritized resolving critical issues such as the backlog of stipends for amnesty students, both in Nigeria and abroad. In the last quarter alone, over 2,000 stipends were disbursed, allowing students to focus on their education without financial worry. A report by the PAP indicated that 85% of beneficiaries were able to complete their courses successfully, showcasing Otuaro’s commitment to fostering long-term stability in the Niger Delta through education.

Calls for Otuaro’s removal are often driven by political maneuvering or personal grievances rather than an objective evaluation of his performance. Such actions threaten the progress achieved under his leadership and risk destabilizing the system. It is vital to reject these baseless demands and continue supporting his administration’s efforts.

Isaac Adaka Boro once stated, “The struggle for our rights is not just a fight for the land, but for the dignity of our people and the preservation of our culture. Together, we can forge a path toward justice and equality.” This statement embodies the essence of unity in our pursuit of development and rights for the Niger Delta. Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s recent visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan underscores his commitment to fulfilling the PAP’s mandate. By consulting with key stakeholders like Jonathan, Otuaro is building on the original vision of the amnesty program, further promoting regional stability and development in the Niger Delta.

In light of these accomplishments, it is crucial that President Tinubu continues to support Otuaro’s leadership. His dedication to regional development and stability has yielded tangible results, and his inclusive approach promises continued progress for the Niger Delta. As prominent figures such as AnnKio Briggs and Ibiba Don-Pedro rally behind him, it is clear that the future of the region is brighter under Otuaro’s stewardship.

Now more than ever, we must stand united in support of Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Niger Delta. Together, we can ensure the region’s stability and foster peace and economic growth for all.

Dr. Tidi, Chairman, Warri South Council (2018 – 2024), writes from Warri.