Amnesty Chairman Faults Reps’ Threat On Otuaro

The chairman of the Third Phase Delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Godstime Ogidigba, has condemned the threat by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts to issue an arrest warrant on the coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Otuaro.

Ogidigba described the move as unwarranted, abrupt and potentially harmful to the ongoing peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta.

He stressed that while accountability in public institutions is vital, the approach must not undermine the stability and trust the Amnesty Programme has worked hard to rebuild.

According to him, Chief Otuaro has shown unwavering dedication to restructuring and strengthening the PAP since assuming office.

He said the coordinator’s engagements with ex-agitators, youth leaders and community stakeholders have restored confidence and revived hope in the programme’s original mandate.

“It is deeply concerning that rather than pursue dialogue and administrative channels, the committee resorted to threats of arrest.

“Such posture sends the wrong signal to the Niger Delta and risks igniting tensions that Nigeria cannot afford,” Ogidigba stated.

He emphasised that the Presidential Amnesty Programme is a sensitive national peace infrastructure, not a conventional federal agency, and must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Ogidigba urged the House Committee to exercise restraint, respect due process, and allow Chief Otuaro the opportunity to provide necessary clarifications regarding the audit issues, many of which predate his tenure.

He reaffirmed the total support of the Third Phase Delegates for the PAP Coordinator, noting that any attempt to intimidate or embarrass the office could jeopardise the fragile peace that has held the region together.

“Peace in the Niger Delta is a national asset. We must protect it. The PAP must not be subjected to political pressures that endanger the progress achieved over the years,” he said.

The statement called for continued cooperation between all arms of government to ensure stability, accountability and uninterrupted development in the region.