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's Statement on Democracy Day
Dr Otuaro, in a statement to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration and 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. 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 President Tinubu
Dr 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 administration of President Tinubu. 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.
Expansion of PAP Initiatives
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. Dr 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.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
He also highlighted the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, the establishment of the South South Development Commission, Federal University of Environment & 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. He said President Tinubu 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.
Call for Unity and Vigilance
The PAP boss reiterated his call on former agitators and the youths 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 administration of President Tinubu 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. He also called on people of the Niger Delta to be wary of some deceivers, who besiege the region with fake promises and blackmail in search of votes.
Dr Otuaro stressed that President Tinubu has backed his promises to the Niger Delta with practical actions which are visible to all. He added that the President deserves the region's support in 2027 for sustained peace and stability. The PAP boss also thanked the President for his intervention and the creation of the atmosphere for the peaceful and effective resolution of the disagreement over the Warri Federal Constituency Ward delineation.
Dr Otuaro said, “I know that this particular President has not hidden his love for the Niger Delta. His actions tell the story more than his words. His support for the massive education of our people, his creation of federal agencies, commitment to sustained peace and development, all show that he loves our region.”
