The Akwa Ibom Ex-Militants Forum has expressed support for the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, passing a vote of confidence on his leadership and calling on the Federal Government to allow him to continue implementing his mandate.
The forum also reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, citing the importance of sustained efforts to maintain peace and security in the Niger Delta.
The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the forum’s president, Elder Imoh S. Okoko, its secretary, Sunny Affiah, and other leaders, including Ekpo Ekpo, Henry Okon Etete, Elder Udom Ebetor and Udo Bassey.
The group condemned calls by some individuals and organisations for Otuaro’s removal, arguing that the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) should not be undermined by ethnic sentiments, sectional interests or personal grievances.
Describing itself as a stakeholder in the Niger Delta peace process, the forum said the programme remained important to peacebuilding, rehabilitation, reintegration, human-capital development and economic empowerment in the region.
It stressed, however, that its position was directed at individuals and interest groups rather than the Ijaw ethnic nationality or any other ethnic community.
The forum called for any genuine allegations concerning the administration of PAP to be subjected to transparent investigation and due process. It also commended Otuaro’s stated emphasis on education, professional training, skills acquisition, empowerment and sustainable reintegration.
According to the group, these areas are important to providing beneficiaries with opportunities beyond the amnesty arrangement and supporting longer-term stability across the Niger Delta.
It urged the Federal Government to continue supporting initiatives intended to improve the economic prospects of young people and strengthen peace in communities affected by past unrest.
The forum also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Ribadu’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture. It said maintaining stability in the Niger Delta required cooperation among government institutions, programme beneficiaries and other regional stakeholders.
The group argued that the success of the Presidential Amnesty Programme should be assessed through its contribution to peace, education, rehabilitation, improved livelihoods and sustainable opportunities for young people.
It appealed to stakeholders to prioritise the region’s collective interests over political disagreements and ethnic considerations.
The statement comes amid differing positions over the leadership of the amnesty programme. The forum’s endorsement represents its own assessment of Otuaro’s leadership, while its call for transparent investigations indicates that allegations concerning the programme should be addressed through established processes.
