The Amnesty team managing the repentant militants affairs has received a rare path on the back instead of constant bashing that was the case.
This is as the critical stakeholders forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme passed a vote of confidence on Dennis B. Otuaro, the Administrator of Amnesty Progamme.
The group said: “We reaffirm our faith in the competence and transformational leadership of Dr Dennis Otuaro. We declare that he is a blessing to the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Niger Delta region and therefore,we are calling on all his critics to be factual, constructive and patriotic.’
They said the call is premised on the emergence of a new trend of frivolous criticisms orchestrated to tarnish the image of the Administrator and reduce his popularity among the beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“And majority of the said criticisms against him are heavily laced with bitterness and negative political sentiments .We are therefore,calling on all such critics to eschew bitterness and political sentiments while expressing their opinions concerning the leadership trajectory of Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.’
The forum called on certain group to do an objective analysis and a thorough research on the reforms and progressive policies initiated by Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to enable the group arrive at a more accurate and informed account of events of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Otuaro.
The statement issued by Reuben Wilson, chairman of the group, said the opposing group should thereafter render an unreserved apology to the Administrator for making such unfounded ,spurious, malicious and reckless statement against him.
They said it’s a well-known fact that Otuaro team has sanitized the Presidential Amnesty Programme and has repositioned it to be able to effectively execute its original mandate of rehabilitating,training and reintegrating back to the society, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“The Presidential Amnesty Programme had lost focus on its core mandate before the emergence of Otuaro .The current transformation at the Presidential Amnesty Office is made possible by the uncommon transformational leadership of Otuaro .
“He has also enthroned transparency and accountability in the Presidential Amnesty Programme .His transformational leadership and vision has made the Presidential Amnesty Programme to be more result-oriented and productive.He is indeed a blessing to the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Niger Delta Region.He should be celebrated and not vilified.He is a true Ambassador of the Niger Delta people.
“It’s disheartening to read about unverified claims against those believed to be working hard to change the face of the Niger Delta.”
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He said it could not be correct to say that Otuaro and the present managers of the Amnesty programme betrayed the trust of the beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and therefore, be sacked.
“We urge all those that are involved in such distasteful and nefarious activities to desist forthwith from such activities and turn a new leaf. They should become patriotic and responsible citizens for the betterment of our nation”.
The group said it’s pertinent to note that criticism is part of the means to enthroning probity and accountability in a society but such must be done objectively,truthfully,factually and constructively, and should be devoid of any form of bias ,falsehood and negative sentiments.
“It’s unfortunate that the ‘stock in trade’ of some persons is to try to pull down public office holders by casting aspersions and spreading falsehood against them. The activities of such persons have the capacity to distract and slow down the efficiency and productivity of public office holders which can negatively impact on public governance and development in the country.
“Furthermore ,it is with the highest sense of patriotism and unflinching commitment to the unity, peace and holistic development of the Niger Delta Region and the betterment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme , that we are calling on all patriotic Niger Deltans and genuine beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to join hands with Otuaro to strengthen and better the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the collective good of all of us.”
The group said they believe strongly that a united, peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta and the successful execution of the original mandate of the Presidential Amnesty Programme should be the ultimate interest of all patriotic and well-meaning Niger Deltans and genuine beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
They said supporting the Otuaro team to transform the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the holistic and successful implementation of its original mandate should be the primary focus of all genuine beneficiaries. The Presidential Amnesty Programme beneficiaries should eschew divisive tendencies and focus on the efficient and successful implementation of the programme.
“We consider it very important and necessary to make this clarion call because the Presidential Amnesty Programme needs a stable, peaceful and productive environment to thrive and be successful .We don’t need to unnecessarily distract the Administrator. We must give him the needed encouragement and enabling working environment to optimally perform his duties for the betterment of the programme.”
