By Wilson Macaulay
In a powerful and timely statement, High Chief Wellington Bobo, the Oroupawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, has called on all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to rally behind Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro in his bid to transform the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP) for the betterment of the region.
Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo, a prominent elder statesman known for his populist stance and advocacy for peace and development in the region, urged detractors to desist from actions and rhetoric that could undermine Otuaro’s efforts.
Dr. Dennis Otuaro, currently serving as the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Program, has been subject to criticism, particularly from those who view his leadership as a result of influence from high-profile figures like Tompolo, a key figure in Niger Delta activism. Critics argue that Otuaro’s position is a continuation of an Ijaw-centric approach to the amnesty program, sidelining other ethnic groups in the region.
However, High Chief Wellington Bobo has firmly defended Otuaro’s appointment, stressing that this is not a tribal issue but a matter of making PAP a more inclusive and effective program for the entire Niger Delta. “Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro is working hard to repair and restructure the PAP Administration. He is reaching out to stakeholders across the region to ensure that the program benefits everyone, not just a select few,” Bobo said during a meeting with Niger Delta leaders.
He highlighted Otuaro’s proactive approach, noting that the PAP Coordinator is making significant strides to collaborate with all ethnic groups in the Niger Delta, from the Urhobos to the Isokos, Itsekiris, and others, in an effort to bring equity and fairness to the program. “The aim is to strengthen the entire Niger Delta, not to divide it,” Bobo remarked.
He encouraged the people of the Niger Delta to give Otuaro their full support, noting that the Coordinator’s efforts are geared toward making PAP more effective and inclusive. “This is not about Dennis Otuaro, this is about the future of the Niger Delta. We need a united front, and all tribes must stand behind the vision to make PAP a better place,” Chief Bobo declared.
The Oroupawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, who has long been a respected voice for peace in the Niger Delta, warned against using ethnic divisions to sow seeds of discord within the region. “We must not allow external forces or internal grievances to divide us. The enemy is not within, the enemy is the neglect of our region by successive governments. We must speak with one voice,” he cautioned.
In conclusion, Populist High Chief Bobo reiterated his support for Dr. Otuaro, advising him to stay the course and continue his efforts to make PAP a more transparent and equitable program for all Niger Deltans. “Do not be swayed by those who seek to derail your vision. Your work is already making a difference, and I believe you will succeed in making PAP a better place for the future of our people,” Bobo stated.
With the Niger Delta’s history of marginalization and its pivotal role in the nation’s oil economy, the success of the Presidential Amnesty Program remains crucial for regional stability and development. Chief Bobo’s call for unity and his endorsement of Otuaro’s leadership provide a strong foundation for continued progress, as stakeholders across the region look forward to a more inclusive and prosperous future.
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