The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has described June 12 as a historic day and a significant rallying point for Nigeria’s democratic advancement. Otuaro, in a statement to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, said June 12 represents the cornerstone of the country’s democratic aspirations underlined by freedom of choice by citizens in free, fair and credible elections.
Tribute to Heroes
He paid tributes to the memories of MKO Abiola, other political martyrs and all compatriots for their heroic deeds in the June 12 struggle, stressing that their sacrifices and resilience helped to birth democratic governance in 1999.
Commendation for Tinubu
Otuaro commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to deepening the country’s democratic culture and also broadening the civic space for citizens’ participation in democracy and national development. According to him, the Niger Delta is enjoying the dividends of democracy under the Tinubu administration.
Support for Amnesty Programme
He said the President’s massive support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme is a demonstration of his strong commitment to sustainable peace and stability in the Niger Delta, and indeed Nigeria. He attributed the expansion of the PAP’s scholarship scheme, vocational training opportunities and post-training empowerment initiatives, among others, to the President’s backing and approval of upward review of the programme’s budget.
Scholarships and Infrastructure
Otuaro noted that the over 8,235 undergraduate and post-graduate students on the scholarship scheme, who are studying various industry-relevant courses in foreign and local universities, are as a result of President Tinubu’s unprecedented support for the programme. He also highlighted the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, the establishment of the South South Development Commission, Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, among others, as testaments to President Tinubu’s strong desire to drive socio-economic growth and development in the region.
Security and Call for Unity
He said the President and the security agencies are working hard and taking necessary steps to improve security in the country, adding that they need the support and cooperation of all and sundry to overcome the challenge of insecurity. The PAP boss reiterated his call on former agitators and the youth of the Niger Delta to safeguard the region’s peace and stability in the interest of development of communities. He urged them to stand united with the Tinubu administration for more development and socio-economic growth in the region, stressing that they have a civic role to play in the strengthening of democratic governance.
Support for 2027
Otuaro stressed that President Tinubu has backed his promises to the Niger Delta with practical actions which are visible to all, adding that he deserves the region’s support in 2027 for sustained peace and stability.
