Newly elected executives of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase 2, led by the national chairman, Ibena Rufus Salvation, have declared their total support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the newly appointed PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, towards sustaining the peace in the Niger Delta region.
In a statement signed and issued in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, the national chairman Ibena Rufus Salvation, applauded President Bola Ahmad Tinubu for appointing Dr Dennis Otuaro as the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, adding that as a product of the struggle, Otuaro understands the struggles of the people of the Niger Delta better than anybody.
He assured the Amnesty boss of the support of the ex-agitators, especially those in Phase 2. He added that having keyed into his vision, Phase 2 ex-agitators under his leadership would work with him to achieve it.
Ibena was elected after a transparent voting process by leaders of the Phase 2 ex-agitators from Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Ondo states, conducted by an electoral committee led by General Alex Livinus, at Pink and Purple Event Centre, Warri in Delta State.
Other members of the new executive are Godspower Mabiko, national vice chairman; Abraham Vwaghie Stephen, secretary; Timothy Tensibe, spokesman; Philip Esau, public relations officer; Appeal Indiowou, financial secretary and Akpos Gidigbein, treasurer.
Highlighting his vision for the ex-agitators in a five-point agenda, Ibena said he will unify all leaders and members of Phase 2 beneficiaries, ensure all leaders and members receive their payment promptly, address outstanding arrears owned the Amnesty office, recover missing slots back to original owners and secure educational and vocational scholarship training for all leaders and beneficiaries.
He said, “The appointment of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro as the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme was a cheering news for us because it is what we had clamoured for.
“We are thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking the right decision in Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s appointment in the interest of peace and stability of the Niger Delta. The president had demonstrated his commitment to the development of the region.
“Dr. Dennis Otuaro has demonstrated within the last two months that he knows the struggles of the people of the Niger Delta better than anybody. He is a product of the Niger Delta struggle and also a beneficiary of the presidential amnesty programme.
“When you listen to his vision and template, it is obvious he knows what is best for the ex-agitators and the region. You can see the stability enjoyed in the region since he came on board,” Ibena said.