Leaders and beneficiaries of the Phase 2 Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have said that the recent distribution of palliatives, including rice and monetary tokens, to programme beneficiaries is a groundbreaking initiative that had never been done before.
The ex-agitators also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the unprecedented approach to accountability and transparency in the administration of PAP.
Speaking on behalf of the group after overseeing the equal distribution of the palliatives and cash token, the Phase 2 National Chairman, Ibena Rufus Salvation, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Otuaro for the kind gesture, adding that it is the first time they, as beneficiaries, have experienced palliatives being shared by the Amnesty office.
“For the first time, we have experienced palliatives shared by the office, giving rice and tokens to all leaders and beneficiaries of the programme. It has not happened before. We want to use this opportunity to thank Mr. President and the Administrator, Dr Dennis Burutu Otuaro, for what they have been doing“, he stated.
Acknowledging Otuaro‘s efforts, Ibena urged him to remain focused and ignore cheap blackmail from detractors, whom he described as enemies of progress. He also pledged the beneficiaries‘ unconditional support for his administration.
He urged the Administrator to continue fulfilling the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which President Bola Tinubu championed.
The national chairman also called on delegates awarded scholarships by the Amnesty office to prioritise their studies and strive for excellence. He emphasised the importance of academic success in showcasing the programme‘s value, encouraging the beneficiaries to make their families, communities, and the Amnesty office proud.
Reaffirming their commitment to the programme, Ibena expressed hope that the ongoing reforms would foster a new era of accountability and progress which will bring sustainable development and further strengthen the impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme on the Niger Delta region.
