News

An Open Letter To The Ijaw Nation [ADVERTORIAL]

Published

1 year ago

November 3, 2024

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 stand by the truth without fear or favour. We are making this urgent call because we are highly disturbed about our quick moves to condemn and pull down our children in the public offices. The time has come for us, as a people, to rally together and build a stronger and more united Ijaw nation. Today, we have an important opportunity before us, one that holds great promise for our future: the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under the capable leadership of the Administrator, High Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD. It is in this spirit of unity and progress that we, the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), write to you with a message of hope, encouragement, and, most importantly, a call for support.

SUPPORT FOR OTUARO’s REFORMS AND QUALITY LEADERSHIP

The PAP which was initiated by late president Umaru Yar’adua in 2009 was designed to bring sustainable peace, rehabilitation, and reintegration of Niger Delta ex-agitators, in a view of addressing the long-standing challenges faced by our people. The leadership of High Chief Dennis Otuaro PhD presents us with a renewed opportunity to make these objectives a reality. We must not allow the mistakes of the past or individual interests to derail the progress of the programme under Dr Otuaro. Rather, we should all support the Administrator in his efforts to uphold the core goals of disarmament, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

It is time for us to move beyond the negative narratives and build a future where every Ijaw youth can thrive. By working together, we can ensure that the programme remains focused on sustainable economic development and empowerment. We must encourage Chief Otuaro to continue creating opportunities for vocational training, sponsored educational scholarship, and entrepreneurship for our people. This is not only for the ex-agitators but for the entire Ijaw community and by extension, the Niger-Delta.

However, our analysis and observations from a very professional angle showed that Dr Otuaro is barely eighty months in the amnesty office being appointed in March 2024, and that it is just too early for anyone to question his performance. Except someone has premeditated sentiments against him, Otuaro has brought some good reforms and initiatives to advance the amnesty programme. It would interest anyone who cares to know that Dr Otuaro restored the suspended foreign scholarship programme, vocational training and reinstating the suspended multiple BVN accounts of affected ex-agitators, we think this should be commended.

Furthermore, we are aware of the painstaking efforts of Dr Otuaro of engaging every stakeholder in the Niger Delta. With just a few times in office, he has held two (2) comprehensive stakeholders meeting, gathering critical stakeholders in the region, including traditional rulers, women and youth leaders and coupled with expanded individual stakeholders’ engagement across the region. This should convince any progressive mind that Dr Otuaro means well for Niger Delta region and Beneficiaries of the amnesty programme.

In advancing sustainable peace and stability in the Niger Delta region, Dr. Otuaro has emphasised the need for expanding the Amnesty Programme to accommodate some aggrieved interests, and as we speak, we have verified information that the PAP office has received thousands of applications seeking to be included in the vocational training and educational scholarship scheme, and third phase camp leaders have also started submitting lists of their boys who were omitted during the disbarment process. We think this is a demonstration of capacity and readiness to serve and make things better for his people.

We wish to state unequivocally that as a people, our criticism should be devoid of personal interests and bias but be based on proper analysis of performance and general concerns of community development.

THE ROLE OF THE IJAW PUBLISHERS’ FORUM (IPF) AS INTELLECTUAL ARM OF IJAW NATION

One of the primary objectives of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum is to “Rewrite the Ijaw Story.” As representatives of the Publishers, Editors-in-Chief and media practitioners of the Ijaw nation, we are committed to supporting the Genuine Ijaw Cause and backing any Ijaw visionary leader in a position of authority who is ready to provide quality representation to our people. We believe that telling our story accurately and positively is crucial to changing the wrong narratives about our people and fostering development in our communities.

It is crucial to clarify that the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum is not a political organisation; rather, we pride ourselves as the conscience of the Ijaw nation. Our goal is to be the voice of reason and unity for our people. We write this open letter in a bid to put an end to the rumblings and divisions that have arisen from different angles, most especially from our own Ijaw brothers and sisters. We must prioritise the general interest of the Ijaw nation and, by extension, the Niger Delta region.

We cannot afford to let internal conflicts weaken us or divert attention from the pressing needs of our communities. It is imperative that we come together to support any genuine efforts towards any sustainable peace and development in Niger Delta. As a united people, we will achieve more than we could as divided factions. This is why we appeal for collective responsibility and urge everyone to put the interests of the Ijaw nation above all personal interests and sentiments.

THE NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY AND INCLUSIVENESS

To make the PAP truly impactful, we need to advocate for transparency and accountability in the administration of the programme. We must call on our leaders, vendors, and contractors to ensure that the distribution of resources is fair and reaches the people who need it most. However, while we advocate for these ideals, we must also avoid pulling down those who are working towards them. The “bring him down” syndrome has harmed our progress for too long. It is time we collectively put an end to it.

We should also push for inclusiveness, where more affected communities, beyond just the beneficiaries listed in the program’s early stages, are considered. The success of the PAP will benefit not just the ex-agitators but all communities impacted by the struggles. Let us encourage projects that will provide healthcare, education, and infrastructure for the broader Ijaw nation.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING IJAW REPRESENTATIVES

As the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, we want to assure the Ijaw nation that we will be the first to bring to the attention of Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro or any other Ijaw representative of the feelings and concerns of our people. It is our duty to serve as a bridge between the leaders and the people, ensuring that voices are heard and that feedback is acted upon. We do this out of our dedication to the Ijaw cause and not for any personal gain.

ADDRESSING YOUTH RESTIVENESS AND CREATING JOBS

The challenge of youth unemployment is real, and addressing it, is key to lasting peace. Chief Otuaro’s administration is focused on creating opportunities for our youth, and we must all lend our voices and efforts to support initiatives that will curb restiveness. It is not enough to train young people; there must be job creation and business opportunities as well. We should all take it upon ourselves to support this administration’s efforts to engage companies and organisations for job creation and partnership opportunities.

UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH

Ijaw sons and daughters, one of the major challenges that has plagued our people is the lack of unity and the failure to stand as our brother’s keeper. It is time to put an end to this division. We cannot continue to tear down those among us who rise to positions of leadership. Let us support Chief Dennis Otuaro wholeheartedly and give him the chance to succeed. His success is not for him alone but a success for the entire Ijaw nation.

Every Ijaw person has a role to play. We must actively participate in dialogues and ensure that the peace initiatives being implemented are supported. It is our duty to engage in positive discourse and avoid actions that can undermine the efforts being made for the betterment of our people.

A CALL FOR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIVITY

The future of the Ijaw nation rests on our collective actions today. If we fail to support the leadership of the PAP, we have succeeded not only jeopardising the program’s potentials but also the dreams of countless young men and women who look up to us for hope and direction. This is a time for us to stand together, to rise above individual differences, and to work towards a common goal: the development of our land and the prosperity of our people.

Let us remember the sacrifices of our forebears and honour their legacy by being united in our pursuit of progress. Our strength lies in our unity, and our success depends on our willingness to be our brother’s keeper. We must embrace the principles of love, support, and solidarity.

Finally, the time for change is now. Let us reject the “pull him down” syndrome and instead embrace the spirit of brotherhood and unity. High Chief Dennis Otuaro is one of us, and his success is our success. We must support him in every way possible and ensure that the Presidential Amnesty Programme fulfils its mission for the good of the Ijaw nation.

The Ijaw Publishers Forum is committed to amplifying our voices and rendering constructive criticism where necessary in our quest to retell the Ijaw story.
Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come. Let us stand as one and give our support to the Administrator of the PAP. It is not just a program—it is a promise to our people, a promise of hope, and a promise of a better tomorrow.

Long Live the Ijaw Nation!
Yours in the struggle for progress,

Comrade Austin Ozobo
President

Comrade Tare Magbei
General Secretary

News

FULL TEXT: Gen Musa’s Inaugural Speech As Defence Minister

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Editor

Newly appointed Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), on Friday, delivered his inaugural speech as he assumed office, pledging to end the shedding of innocent blood and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Here is the full speech:

FULL SPEECH: ADDRESS BY GENERAL CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA (RTD), ON HIS ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE AS MINISTER OF DEFENCE.

December 5, 2025

It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today in my new capacity as the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Six weeks ago, I was in Kaki. Now, I am coming as the Minister. It can only be God. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the trust and confidence you have shown in me.

I take that very seriously. For me, it is indeed a privilege and an honour, after serving 39 years in service, to come in and now be the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The love Nigerians have shown us reflects that people believe we can turn the tide.

But it is not rhetoric. It is by action. We must, firstly as Nigerians, take ownership of the responsibilities and challenges we face in our country.

It is only us who can solve the problem. It is when we agree within ourselves that we can deal with this, that we will succeed. God is with us, and He has always given us the responsibility to succeed.

This responsibility is one I accept with solemn reverence and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our great nation, Nigeria. Let me also acknowledge the dedicated leadership of my predecessor and the relentless efforts of every one of you in this room.

When I was the Chief of Defence Staff, you gave me all the support, and I truly appreciate it. I want to assure you that coming back as Minister, we want to do more for your welfare, well-being, and the administration of the Ministry. I strongly believe in reward and accountability. You do well, you are rewarded. We take corrective measures to ensure we succeed. I don’t believe in “na so we dey do am.”

We must assess everything that we are doing and see whether we can improve it. I believe in fostering a positive workforce. We are going to listen to your challenges, and whatever we can do to address them, we will. But I count on you also to put in your best. You know your task ahead. You don’t have to wait until somebody calls you or asks you a question. Do what you are supposed to do, and that will make it easier for us as a nation.

The task of securing the nation is continuous, and I am aware that you have been holding the line with dedication. I commend you all. For decades, my life has been defined by uniform, by the ethos of service, and by sacred covenants to defend the territorial integrity and citizens of Nigeria. I therefore come to this role not as a stranger to our security challenges, but as a comrade who has been in the trenches both literally and figuratively. I’ve seen firsthand the bravery of our troops, the complexity of our threats, and the role of strategic coordination. Like I always say, no single individual can achieve this alone. No single service operator can do it. We must work as Nigerians, making Nigeria better.

Consequently, my core philosophy in ensuring the affairs of this ministry is simple: operational effectiveness through unified action and strategic foresight. Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot afford to operate in silos.

We cannot tolerate gaps between policy and execution, or between the ministry and the services. This ministry will be a powerhouse of strategic direction, enabling support, and relentless accountability. We must provide that support for our troops to continue to succeed. They are sacrificing their lives out there in the field—day and night, thunderstorm or windstorm—whatever the situation, to ensure that we, Nigerians, can go to bed and sleep well. We must continue to pray for them. We must continue to provide the necessary support.

Working as a team with other MDAs, Mr. President has made it very clear he will give us all the support we require and demands that we achieve success, which we have promised him. Within the first few weeks, we must show that we are committed: the ministry working inside, the troops working outside.

To translate this philosophy into action, my initial focus will rest on three interconnected pillars: enhancing joint operational strategy synergy. We will immediately begin a rigorous review of all theatre commands and inter-service operations. My door will be open, as always, to the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for frank discussions on equipment, training, welfare, and strategy. Mr. President wants us to present our challenges, with the promise that they will be addressed. So it is left for us to do the needful.
Our goal is to overwhelm the adversaries with seamless jointness, not just cognition.

Welfare and Morale as a Force Multiplier

We all understand the importance of morale to our personnel and staff. We must therefore prioritise the timely provision of all necessary kits, ensure prompt payment of operational allowances, and vigorously address accommodation and medical care for our personnel and their families. Those not injured are watching how we treat the injured. If they are not taken care of properly, they will not give their best, because they will be apprehensive. Especially those who have lost their loved ones—the families want to know what will happen.

It is our responsibility to take care of them. The aspect of actions that impugn their integrity is not acceptable. We must make payments seamless. We must treat them with respect. Anybody who is laying down their life for their country deserves the highest respect, and that is what we offer. I will be very critical about that.

Intelligence-Driven and Technology-Enabled Defence

The Ministry of Defence is the strategic brain of our national defence architecture. We must therefore leverage technology for intelligence, surveillance, and recurring service. We have partners and allies ready to support us. We will reach out to them to work as a team. We will also collaborate with other security agencies. Every Nigerian is vital to the success of Nigeria. We will foster a culture where data and intelligence drive our decisions, not just experience alone. I charge the Ministry to be a catalyst for innovation and efficient resource management.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I expect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and urgency from all of us. We do not have time to waste. We will continue to hit the ground running. We must respect the human rights of Nigerians. If we make mistakes, we must take necessary action to make amends. I will always encourage candid advice and robust debates. But once a decision is taken, we must move as one united team.

There will be zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, or indolence. Our loyalty is to Nigeria and the Nigerian people. The President is the Commander-in-Chief; the bulk stops on his table. We must provide the support required to make Nigeria peaceful.

Shedding of innocent blood is over. Our children should go back to school. Our farmers should go back to their farms. Most of the challenges we face are not military solutions—they are issues of good governance, justice, equity, and fairness, which we will encourage. Both non-kinetic and kinetic solutions must work hand in hand. We cannot afford to fail Nigerians. Charity begins at home; if we have the mindset that we will succeed, we will.

To the Service Chiefs, I offer my full support and expect your utmost cooperation to move the Armed Forces to greater heights. To the Department Secretary and the Civil Service cadre, you are the institutional memory and the framework for our sustainability. I value your expertise and count on your diligence to translate our military objectives into actionable administrative and budgetary policies.

The road ahead is demanding and will be tough. Let us not take it for granted. But because we are Nigerians, we shall overcome. The threats we face are adaptive and complex, but I have absolute faith in the indomitable spirit of our Armed Forces and the capable minds within the Ministry. With the support and prayers we are receiving from all Nigerians, we cannot fail.

In closing, let me once again reaffirm my commitment to lead with fairness, firmness, and loyalty to our Constitution. The President is doing everything possible to ensure our success. We must play our part. The task ahead is enormous, but surmountable. We can win. We will win. The good people of Nigeria are looking up to us for results, and we must deliver immediately. I am not here to preside; I am here to lead, to walk, and to deliver alongside you. I cannot do it alone. I thank you all as I look forward to our detailed work and the tasks ahead.

God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

— General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd)
Minister of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria

News

Malami Breaks Silence On Alleged Terrorism Financing

Published

7 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Editor

A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has broken his silence on allegations linking him to terrorism financing, dismissing the claims as baseless, misleading and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Friday, Malami said he was compelled to respond after a publication suggested that he and several others had connections to persons described as terror suspects or alleged financiers.

Malami described the claims as “unfounded, unfair and contrary to both my record in public office and objective facts.”

The former minister stressed that he had never been accused, invited, interrogated or investigated by any security, law-enforcement or intelligence agency within or outside Nigeria for terrorism financing or any related offence.

He said: “I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency—within or outside Nigeria—in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.”

Malami noted that even the retired military officer cited as the principal source of the publication admitted that he did not accuse Malami or the other individuals of financing terrorism, but merely referenced vague “business” or “institutional” connections allegedly linked to some suspects.

He said the publication misrepresented this clarification and was politically exploited to create damaging insinuations about him.

Malami warned that normal professional or institutional engagements must not be misconstrued as evidence of supporting terrorism.

“To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust,” he said.

Highlighting his record, Malami listed several anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism reforms spearheaded during his tenure, including:

Establishment of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) as an independent entity

Enactment of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022

Enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022

He noted that improved inter-agency coordination under these laws contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

“During my tenure, I worked to strengthen—not weaken—Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and the financing of terrorism,” he said.

Malami urged the media to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive national security issues, warning that careless publications can damage reputations and undermine confidence in state institutions.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and Nigeria’s international obligations, adding that he reserves the right to seek redress against any publication that misrepresents his role in the fight against terrorism financing.

News

Otuaro Pledges To Expand PAP Scholarship As Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities

Published

18 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has expressed his unwavering commitment to expanding the PAP scholarship scheme.

The PAP boss made the pledge at a graduation reception for nine students who were awarded foreign post-graduate scholarships by PAP in universities in the United Kingdom.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Igoniko Oduma, said the successful scholars are the first graduates in the offshore post-graduate scholarship deployment to UK institutions by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic session.

According to the statement, they graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University, University of Dundee and The University of Law with master’s degrees in cyber security, data science and engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT.

Otuaro disclosed in the statement that 711 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries are expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.

According to Otuaro, the expansion of the scholarship scheme is aimed at creating more opportunities for indigent students of Niger Delta extraction to access higher education with a view to closing the human capital development gap in the region.

Otuaro said it was for this reason he deployed 3800 beneficiaries in-country in the 2024-2025 academic year, and increased the figure to 3900 in the 2025-2026 academic session with 200 for foreign scholarships.

He said under his administration, 7700 students have been so far deployed for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years.

According to him, aince he took over, he has deployed 162 students from the region for post-graduate programmes in targeted disciplines in the UK universities.

According to him, this is in conformity with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, who has given unprecedented support to the PAP because of his sincere love for the area.

The PAP boss said, “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region.

“We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”

Otuaro, who congratulated the master’s graduates on their successful graduation, stressed that they completed their programmes in record time which shows the seriousness they had put into their studies.

He said they have justified the Federal Government’s investment in their education with their successful graduation, and urged other beneficiaries not to be distracted in their academic pursuits.

“We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or post-graduate level”, Otuaro said.