World Press Conference: Ijaw Publishers Forum Sets the Record Straight on Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s Leadership of PAP

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World Press Conference: Ijaw Publishers Forum Sets the Record Straight on Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s Leadership of PAP

Delta State, Nigeria — November 6, 2025.


 The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has declared its strong support for the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro (Ph.D.), commending his administration for restoring focus, transparency, and genuine empowerment to the programme.

Speaking during a World Press Conference held on Wednesday, the forum’s president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, said the group’s position was guided by truth, objectivity, and the interest of the Niger Delta region, not by sentiment or political influence.

“The Ijaw Publishers Forum is a coalition of professional media practitioners committed to fairness and factual reporting. We are not a tool in anyone’s hands. Our allegiance is to truth, to our people, and to progress,” Ozobo stated.

He explained that since Dr. Otuaro’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 14, 2024, the Amnesty Office has witnessed what he described as a “revival of purpose” through renewed commitment to education, skills training, and stakeholder inclusion.

Notable Achievements

According to the forum, Dr. Otuaro has introduced several initiatives aimed at repositioning the PAP from a stipend-based system to a human-capital development platform.
Among these are:

  • Expanded scholarship schemes, with over 140 beneficiaries currently studying overseas, particularly in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
  • Improved vocational training and empowerment programmes, designed to give ex-agitators and Niger Delta youths sustainable livelihoods.
  • Increased stakeholder inclusion, especially the participation of women in the peace and reintegration process.
  • Commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that funds are used strictly for developmental purposes.

The IPF noted that Dr. Otuaro’s leadership reflects “a human-faced approach” to the Amnesty Programme, one that emphasises peace, education, and lasting development rather than dependency.

Defending Reform Against Distractions

The forum condemned what it described as “orchestrated attacks” against Dr. Otuaro by individuals seeking to derail reforms.
“Credible reports indicate that some attacks intensified simply because the Administrator refused to open the coffers of the Amnesty Programme to certain vested interests,” Ozobo said.

He urged Niger Delta leaders, PAP beneficiaries, and civil society organisations to rally around Dr. Otuaro and support his reform agenda, stressing that the region’s progress depends on collective unity behind purposeful leadership.

A Call for Constructive Engagement

The IPF also called on the media and other stakeholders to engage constructively, noting that criticism should be based on facts, not misinformation.
“We encourage oversight, but let debates be about ideas and outcomes — not personalities or propaganda,” the statement read.

Looking Ahead

The forum reaffirmed that the future of the Niger Delta lies in supporting capable leadership that delivers tangible development.
“Dr. Otuaro has demonstrated integrity, competence, and a clear vision for the Amnesty Programme,” the statement concluded. “We pledge our continued support for his success and call on all Niger Deltans to join in building a peaceful and prosperous region.”

Signed:
Comrade Ozobo Austin
President, Ijaw Publishers Forum
November 6, 2025

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