Amnesty Must Reflect Niger Delta Struggles — Otuaro.Idjerhe Monarch Seeks Hospital Revival, Backs Otuaro’s Leadership

Amnesty Must Reflect Niger Delta Struggles — Otuaro

.Idjerhe Monarch Seeks Hospital Revival, Backs Otuaro’s Leadership

JESSE — In a heartfelt homecoming, the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, visited the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey JP, Udurhie I, on Friday, June 13, 2025, declaring that the programme must reflect the broader struggles of all people in the Niger Delta—not just former agitators.

Speaking from the palace in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area, Dr. Otuaro emphasized that the original purpose of the amnesty initiative goes beyond disarmament. “The idea behind the Presidential Amnesty Programme is national security and human development,” he said. “Though the primary target is those who dropped arms, the programme recognizes that everybody in the Niger Delta is a victim of the agitation.”

Returning to his ancestral roots, Otuaro described the visit as deeply personal. “I am a son of this great kingdom. My father, Otuaro, was an honourable man. This land raised me, and I am here to say thank you—with action, not just words,” he said, drawing warm applause from gathered monarchs and community leaders.

Otuaro highlighted the progress made under his leadership despite financial challenges. “When I resumed office, the funding had not increased since 2014. But by God’s grace and Mr. President’s support, we were able to break that ceiling and expand our outreach,” he noted.

Underscoring a new era of inclusivity, he vowed that the programme would be accessible to all affected by the region’s long-standing crisis. “No one will corner this programme. It will serve all—women, youths, elders. Everyone who bears the scars of this struggle,” he pledged.

Citing one of the key achievements, he revealed a sharp rise in educational support under the programme: “We increased the number of university students from 180 last year to 3,170, and we revived the foreign scholarship scheme because the people demanded it. I listened.”

In response, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom commended the Federal Government’s choice of coordinator. “This is the first time people can walk into the Amnesty office and see one of their own—someone who understands the weight of the past and the hope of the future,” the monarch said.

He praised Otuaro’s leadership for reigniting public trust. “Coordinator, the people of the Niger Delta are not only impressed with you—they are watching your steps. And we are ready to walk with you.”

The royal visit was attended by several traditional rulers, including HRM Evang. Prof. W.O. Oharisi III of Ughelli, HRM Noble Eshemitan Orefe III of Oghara, HRM Sunday Okpurhe Uduaka I of Mosogar, and other monarchs from Ogor, Agbarah-Warri, and Aravwarien Kingdoms.

King Whiskey underscored the gravity of their presence. “These kings you see here didn’t come for show. When I told them our son was visiting, they said, ‘We’ve been watching him.’ This is solidarity, not politics,” he remarked.

He also used the occasion to remind the gathering of a tragic chapter in the kingdom’s history. “Twenty-seven years ago, over a thousand lives were lost in a fire disaster. The Federal Government built a hospital in response—but it now lies abandoned. That hospital is a symbol. It must not rot.”

Appealing for urgent intervention, he urged Dr. Otuaro to champion the call for its revival. “Let the Federal Government revive that hospital. Let that pain give birth to healing.”

Addressing frequent calls for an increase in monthly stipends for ex-agitators, the monarch offered a candid opinion: “If I had my way, I’d begin to phase people out and focus on education and practical training. The ₦65,000 is not the issue—human capital development is.”

Dr. Otuaro agreed. “I understand the cries for higher stipends. But the real legacy we can build is in people. Human resources—not handouts—will shape the Niger Delta’s future,” he said.

Looking ahead, he revealed plans to empower 3,000 women across sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and petty trade. “Our mothers deserve this support—not just during elections. I will deliver this before July,” he promised.

He also announced the upcoming reopening of the scholarship portal, with a commitment to engage local communities. “We’ll consult widely. I will return to the palaces, reach out to our elders. Everyone must feel this programme,” he assured.

On delayed payments and unresolved beneficiary concerns, Otuaro acknowledged the challenges. “Some have not been paid in two years. I am already working on those files. I know these people. I walked with them during the struggle,” he said.

He emphasized that under his leadership, such lapses would be addressed. “We will resolve those issues and prevent future lapses. The time to heal is now.”

As the visit concluded, King Whiskey reflected on the ongoing journey of the Niger Delta. “The struggle is far from over—but with men like Dr. Otuaro, our hopes are not misplaced. We will stand behind him—not for money, but for our people’s future.”

With emotion in his voice, Dr. Otuaro replied, “I will not let you down. This mandate is not mine alone—it is for all of us. I will carry you along. Always.