The Peace, Development, Security, and Humanitarian Rights Association of Niger Deltans, led by Comrade Mike JK Tiemo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard recent calls by Chief Zik Gbemre to remove Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro as the PAP Administrator. The group emphasized that Otuaro’s appointment, recommended by High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpomupolo, also known as Tompolo, should not be questioned.
Comrade Mike Tiemo described the call for Otuaro’s removal as “baseless and irrelevant,” noting that Niger Deltans have long decried marginalization. He argued that any competent and prominent Niger Deltan has the constitutional and fundamental right to recommend another Niger Deltan for appointments aimed at developing the region.
Tiemo added, “The recommendation of Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro by High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpomupolo deserves commendation for its potential to benefit the Niger Delta. We, therefore, urge all Niger Deltans to unite in working towards the development of the region, without segregation or criticism.”
In an appeal to Otuaro, Tiemo said, “We strongly urge Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the current PAP Administrator, to remain focused on his reforms and to ignore distractions aimed at derailing his progressive agenda.”
The group expressed their full support for Otuaro’s leadership during a recent press conference, praising his vision for the Niger Delta. Tiemo emphasized that Otuaro’s restructuring of the PAP has brought new purpose and inclusivity to the amnesty initiative, benefiting both former militants and the broader region.
“We want to assure Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro that his efforts have not gone unnoticed. His reforms are reshaping the Amnesty Program for better, and we encourage him not to be distracted by those pushing personal or tribal agenda,” Tiemo stated.
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The Niger Delta Peace Group further praised Otuaro’s commitment to engaging with all communities in the Niger Delta, transcending ethnic divides to foster unity and shared purpose. They highlighted his efforts in providing opportunities for ex-agitators through skills training, education, and economic empowerment initiatives.
Comrade Tiemo explained that under Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP has been revitalized, reaching more communities than ever before. “We have seen meaningful steps taken to address long-standing issues such as unemployment, environmental degradation, and economic underdevelopment,” Tiemo added.
The group emphasized that Otuaro’s outreach to Urhobos, Itsekiris, Ijaws, and Isokos demonstrates his dedication to the well-being of the entire region, rather than favoring any single ethnic group. Tiemo warned that attempts to discredit Otuaro’s leadership were harmful to both the PAP and the peace and progress of the Niger Delta.
Tiemo urged Otuaro to remain focused on his mission of reforming the PAP and cautioned against those trying to politicize the program or create ethnic divisions. “Chief Otuaro should not allow voices of division and selfish interests to distract him from the great work he is doing. The Niger Delta people are behind him, and we call on him to continue with his reforms,” Tiemo urged.
The Niger Delta Peace Group also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to collaborate with Niger Delta governors and the Amnesty Administrator to establish community-based modular refineries, addressing the persistent scarcity of petroleum products.
In conclusion, the group reiterated its support for Otuaro’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta, warning that any attempts to derail his leadership would jeopardize the hard-earned peace in the region and hinder economic and social progress achieved through the amnesty program.
The group called on all Niger Deltans—community leaders, youth organizations, and traditional rulers—to rally behind Otuaro in his efforts to transform the Niger Delta into a region of peace, development, and opportunity.
