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PAP: IPDI Tackles Group Over Attack On Otuaro

Published

1 year ago

July 22, 2024

Group known as Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has sent a stern warning to persons it regarded as “enemies of Niger Delta” who according to the group are “sponsoring unpopular, unfounded, mischievous, barbaric and lackadaisical attacks against the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro.”

Reacting to an attack by the group
on the PAP administrator, IPDI said it would not allow “enemies from the pit of hell to defame, demarket and distract the PAP administrator.”

The group, the IPDI described as “non-existing faceless parochial, branding and parading under, the Project Niger Delta (PND),” was said to have attacked the PAP administrator after the president of Ijaw National Congress, INC, Professor Benjamin Okaba endorsed him on behalf of Council.

The group’s, National president, Comrade Ozobo Austin in a statement said, “Our attention has been drawn to an odious, vexatious, inciting and a provocative online publication by enemies of Niger Delta parading under the cover of a faceless group “Project Niger Delta” attacking the most qualified and experienced Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro and the president the Ijaw National Congress, INC.

The statement reads, “We wish to state that those sponsoring attacks against Dr Dennis Otuaro are agents of darkness and enemies from the pit of hell and that such attacks and unpopular opinions never represent the collective interest of the Ijaw nation.

“The sponsors of the attacks should also know that Dr Dennis Otuaro is not deterred by any attack from any quarter but very committed to transforming the almost collapsing presidential Amnesty programme to benefit the Niger Delta region.

“It is our candid advice to the bandwagons to retrace their steps and stop inimical attempts to pull down their brother for selfish interests, and join hands with him to build a legacy for the PAP for the benefit of the region.

“It may interest you to know that Dr Dennis Otuaro is a man who has brought sparkling reforms, innovations and total commitment to advance and improve the performance of the amnesty programme and that only enemies who want to keep the office in a total blackout for the interest of their pockets are attacking him.”

IPDI described PND’s statement as “misleading” and “unfortunate”, stating that Okaba’s endorsement was a testament to Otuaro’s unwavering leadership and commitment to revolutionary reforms of the PAP to better beneficiaries and the Niger Delta region at large. They accused PND of being “agents of darkness” attempting to discredit Otuaro and Okaba.

“We want to state unequivocally that the sponsors of the said publication acted in ignorance, because there is no part of the INC constitution that states that the president must gathered the entire Exco before expressing gratitude and appreciation in away of endorsement of deserving Ijaw sons and daughters who are doing well.”

IPDI commended Okaba for the wisdom to support his own, saying he had done what is noble and that the endorsement was for the interest of the Niger Delta people. They urged the public to disregard PND’s statement, which they claimed was fueled by jealousy, envy and a desire to incite and divide the region.

The IPDI’s statement stressed, “We stand solidly behind Dr. Otuaro, who has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the progress and transformation of the presidential Amnesty programme in a few days in office.

“We will not allow the antics of mischief-makers like faceless PND to distract Otuaro from accomplishing his set goals in the office. The faceless PND are the bounce of hungry men who want to cash out by blackmailing Otuaro and the PAP office.

“We know the people behind the attack, they are some purportedly angry members of the same Ijaw National Congress,INC.It is our warning that such persons should desist from further attack on Otuaro. If they have a dispute with their INC president, let them sort it out between themselves because if they try it, we will expose their identities.

“The PND day dreamers and sponsors who are suffering from mouth diarrhea and dementia should know that Dr Dennis Otuaro is the substantive administrator of the presidential Amnesty programme and not a self-acclaimed PAP Administrator.

“The president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NSA and the National Assembly are relating with him cordially and that PND sponsors should hide their face in shame.

“We, however, strongly condemn the PND sponsors’ statement alleging that some Ijaw big brothers are depriving and enslaving the voiceless majority and making themselves lords over the Ijaws in Delta and beyond.

“This is a desperation taken too far. It is shameful. Our big brothers are the reason why the Niger Delta Emancipation struggle is still making strong impacts. They should be commended for their selfless sacrifices and unwavering contributions to the Niger Delta struggle. They are not enslaving and depriving anybody rather have empowered thousands of persons to earn a living.

“We want to state again that the faceless and parochial authors of the said provocative publication are poor students of history, where were these faceless people when the mein part of the Ijaw were dominating the political space beginning from military to democracy, instead of them using such opportunities to advance the development of Ijaw nation and groom young youths, they spent the long privilege to be blocking, and enslaving their brothers and thinking they will be there forever.

“It is sad, we should refrain and stop the pull him or her down syndrome in Ijaw nation and Niger Delta region and work with our big brothers who are more concerned about the Ijaw and Niger Delta struggle.

“It should be also noted that Otuaro is not seeking any endorsement from anyone, his appointment is valid, verified and stamped by Mr president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NSA. He is the popular choice of Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta at large, so Otuaro attackers should go and hug and kiss the transformer and die”, the noted.

News

NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

6 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

News

Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

6 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

News

PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

21 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.