{"id":4990,"date":"2025-11-07T19:38:48","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T19:38:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/11\/07\/pap-ijaw-publishers-forum-throws-weight-behind-otuaro-says-his-leadership-has-brought-major-transformation-to-the-amnesty-program-niger-delta-region\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T19:38:48","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T19:38:48","slug":"pap-ijaw-publishers-forum-throws-weight-behind-otuaro-says-his-leadership-has-brought-major-transformation-to-the-amnesty-program-niger-delta-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/11\/07\/pap-ijaw-publishers-forum-throws-weight-behind-otuaro-says-his-leadership-has-brought-major-transformation-to-the-amnesty-program-niger-delta-region\/","title":{"rendered":"PAP: Ijaw Publishers Forum Throws Weight Behind Otuaro, Says His Leadership Has Brought Major Transformation To The Amnesty Program, Niger Delta Region"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Ebiowei Gabriel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

World Press Conference by the Ijaw Publishers Forum on the Activities of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gentlemen of the Press,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) is a collective of professional media practitioners dedicated to upholding truth, balance, and fairness in our reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are not a tool in anyone\u2019s hands \u2014 our allegiance is to the truth, the people, and the progress of the Niger Delta. As journalists of conscience, we commend and defend good leadership wherever it is found, especially among Ijaw sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in service.
Our mission is simple: to speak without fear or favour, to highlight performance where it exists, and to challenge wrongdoing when it appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, when we lend our voice in support of any public office holder, it is not out of sentiment, politics, or personal gain, but out of an objective recognition of results, integrity, and purposeful leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this spirit, we gather today for this World Press Conference to present the true picture of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under the capable leadership of Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro \u2014 a man whose administration has revived confidence, restored focus, and repositioned the programme for the genuine empowerment of Niger Deltans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having said that, we, the conglomerate of Ijaw media organisations, hereby express our strong support for the leadership of High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (Ph.D.) as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His tenure, since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 14 March 2024, has already demonstrated clarity of purpose, measurable achievements, and dedication to service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Achievements & Commitments
Academic and Leadership Credentials:\u000b Dr. Otuaro entered office with strong academic credentials. He holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics and Development Studies, an M.Sc. in Public Administration, and a B.Sc. in Education.\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond Stipends \u2014 Real Empowerment:\u000b Under his leadership, PAP has moved beyond mere stipend payments to ex-agitators and launched broader human capital development interventions.\u000b
Human-Focused Leadership:\u000b The Administrator emphasised \u201cgiving the programme a human face\u2026 developed for the people of the Niger Delta for a better future.\u201d\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expanded Scholarship Scheme:\u000b PAP has deployed over 140 scholars overseas (notably to the UK and South Africa) as part of its expanded scholarship programme.\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inclusive Stakeholder Participation:\u000b He has consistently called for stakeholder inclusion, including women\u2019s participation in the peace process for the Niger Delta.\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commitment to Peace and Development:\u000b He has reaffirmed the programme\u2019s mandate of promoting sustainable peace, security, and development in the Niger Delta region.\u000b
Strategic Repositioning of PAP:\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are not symbolic gestures alone \u2014 they reflect a strategic repositioning of PAP to deliver tangible value, particularly through education, vocational training, and stakeholder engagement for communities long impacted by militancy, environmental degradation, and underdevelopment.\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Position
We maintain that Dr. Otuaro\u2019s stewardship has placed the Presidential Amnesty Programme on firmer footing in terms of transparency, accountability, and performance.
It is in the interest of the Niger Delta people and Nigeria as a whole that the programme should not be derailed by those who prefer the status quo or view reform as a threat to entrenched interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genuine criticism and oversight are welcome \u2014 but what we are witnessing in certain quarters are attempts to undermine a capable, reform-minded leader through misdirection, misinformation, and vested-interest campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, credible reports indicate that attacks on the Administrator have increased simply because he \u201crefused to open the coffers of the Amnesty Programme to certain groups of individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call to Action..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We therefore call upon:
PAP delegates, beneficiaries, and Niger Delta community stakeholders to continue supporting Dr. Otuaro and his reform agenda. Unity behind reform-minded leadership is indispensable.\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Media houses, civil society organisations, and youth groups to offer constructive feedback rather than destructive opposition. Let debates be about ideas and outcomes, not personalities.\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Critics of Dr. Otuaro\u2019s leadership to substantiate their allegations transparently and through proper channels, rather than behind the cover of gossip, clandestine campaigns, or destabilising tactics.\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All arms of government \u2014 federal, state, and local \u2014 to give PAP the institutional backing it needs to fulfil its mandate. The region deserves no less.\u000b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion
We assert that the future of the Niger Delta and the wellbeing of its people will not be served by retreating into old patterns. For the Presidential Amnesty Programme to deliver on its promise of reintegration, empowerment, and development, it must be allowed to evolve under capable stewardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro has demonstrated the aptitude, commitment, and vision required for this task. We pledge our continued support for his success \u2014 and we urge others to abandon partisan posturing and join in the collective work of transforming the Niger Delta for the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signed, Comrade Ozobo Austin President, Ijaw Publishers Forum November 6, 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Ebiowei Gabriel World Press Conference by the Ijaw Publishers Forum on the Activities of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4987,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[13],"tags":[1578,1576,1577],"class_list":["post-4990","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-niger-delta-region","tag-pap-ijaw-publishers-forum-throws-weight-behind-otuaro","tag-says-his-leadership-has-brought-major-transformation-to-the-amnesty-program"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/img_4718.jpg?fit=709%2C465&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3116,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/09\/23\/ijaw-publishers-forum-celebrates-presidential-amnesty-programme-administrator-dr-otuaro-on-birth-anniversary-commends-his-proactive-innovative-leadership-approach\/","url_meta":{"origin":4990,"position":0},"title":"Ijaw Publishers Forum Celebrates Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator, Dr Otuaro On Birth Anniversary, Commends His Proactive, Innovative Leadership Approach","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 23, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) warmly congratulates Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD, on his birth anniversary, describing him as a true son of Niger Delta region. This was contained in a statement signed by the president of the group , Comrade Ozobo Austin where a copy was\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/img_3463-1.jpg?fit=405%2C613&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2551,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/06\/20\/ijaw-elder-statesman-pa-e-k-clark-charge-ijaw-publishers-forum-to-protect-defend-dennis-otuaros-mandate-as-pap-boss\/","url_meta":{"origin":4990,"position":1},"title":"Ijaw Elder-Statesman Pa E K Clark, Charge Ijaw Publishers Forum To Protect, Defend Dennis Otuaro\u2019s Mandate As PAP Boss","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"June 20, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Elder statesman, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, National leader of the Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, PANDEF, has tasked the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) with a mandate to protect and defend Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Presidential Amnesty Programme, administrator, to ensure the successful implementation of his initiatives. Pa\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/img_3446-2-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C784&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/img_3446-2-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C784&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/img_3446-2-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C784&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/img_3446-2-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C784&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/img_3446-2-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C784&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5470,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2026\/02\/18\/two-years-in-office-ijaw-publishers-forum-pass-vote-of-confidence-on-pap-boss-otuaro-commends-his-strategic-reforms\/","url_meta":{"origin":4990,"position":2},"title":"TWO YEARS IN OFFICE: Ijaw Publishers Forum Pass Vote Of Confidence On PAP Boss Otuaro, Commends His Strategic Reforms","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"February 18, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI, and other stakeholders have passed a vote of confidence in Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), marks two years of his visionary leadership. According to the stakeholders, Otuaro's two years' tenure has been\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Opinion"","block_context":{"text":"Opinion","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/opinion\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c88877a3-a63c-4b8c-9311-ba611c4a5e49.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c88877a3-a63c-4b8c-9311-ba611c4a5e49.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c88877a3-a63c-4b8c-9311-ba611c4a5e49.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c88877a3-a63c-4b8c-9311-ba611c4a5e49.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/c88877a3-a63c-4b8c-9311-ba611c4a5e49.jpg?fit=1200%2C674&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5141,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/12\/09\/ijaw-publishers-forum-berates-house-of-reps-over-threat-to-pap-boss-otuaro-cautions-against-over-stepping-on-their-oversight-duties\/","url_meta":{"origin":4990,"position":3},"title":"Ijaw Publishers Forum Berates House Of Reps Over Threat To PAP Boss Otuaro, Cautions Against Over-Stepping On Their Oversight Duties","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"December 9, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Ebiowei Gabriel In what they described as a deliberate attempt to undermine ljaw illustrious sons holding strategic political office in the country, the apex ljaw media body under the aegis of ljaw Publishers Forum, IPF, has expressed dismay over the recent House of Representative move to malign the Administrator\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/img_5628.jpg?fit=641%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/img_5628.jpg?fit=641%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/img_5628.jpg?fit=641%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3201,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/10\/29\/pap-if-we-fail-to-support-dr-dennis-otuaros-leadership-as-administrator-of-the-amnesty-programme-we-will-jeopardize-our-own-future__says-ipf-in-an-open-letter-written-to-ij\/","url_meta":{"origin":4990,"position":4},"title":"PAP: \u201cIf We Fail To Support Dr Dennis Otuaro\u2019s Leadership As Administrator Of The Amnesty Programme We Will Jeopardize Our Own Future\u201d__Says IPF In An Open Letter Written To Ijaw Nation","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"October 29, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye AN OPEN LETTER TO THE IJAW NATION A CALL FOR SUPPORT FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME UNDER CHIEF DENNIS BRUTU OTUARO PhD AS ADMINISTRATOR We write as critical stakeholders of the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region. Ijaw means the truth and we must at all times\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/img_8651-1.jpg?fit=1073%2C591&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/img_8651-1.jpg?fit=1073%2C591&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/img_8651-1.jpg?fit=1073%2C591&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/img_8651-1.jpg?fit=1073%2C591&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/img_8651-1.jpg?fit=1073%2C591&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3353,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/12\/21\/ijaw-publishers-forum-appreciates-otuaro-etete-desopadec-cocodia-briggs-george-san-oporomor-nengi-asu-okpoye-over-support-for-maiden-ijaw-media-conference\/","url_meta":{"origin":4990,"position":5},"title":"Ijaw Publishers Forum Appreciates Otuaro, Etete, DESOPADEC, Cocodia, Briggs, George SAN, Oporomor, Nengi, Asu, Okpoye Over Support For Maiden Ijaw Media Conference","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"December 21, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye The apex media group, the Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has expressed profound gratitude to the administrator of the presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Sir Ken Etete, CEO\/Chairman, Century Group of Companies, High Chief Collins Cocodia, the Special Adviser to the governor of Bayelsa State\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0700-1.jpg?fit=1193%2C659&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0700-1.jpg?fit=1193%2C659&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0700-1.jpg?fit=1193%2C659&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0700-1.jpg?fit=1193%2C659&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/img_0700-1.jpg?fit=1193%2C659&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfDfBE-1iu","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4990","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4990"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4990\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4987"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}