N’Delta Peacekeepers Condemn Alleged Reps’ C’ttee Summon, Threat to Arrest PAP Boss Otuaro

•Say Such Act May Possess Threat to Peace

By Osaro Michael, Benin

A group under the auspices of the Niger Delta peacekeeping committee has expressed concern over the National Assembly’s directive summoning Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Coordinator, Chief Dennis Otuaro, over alleged ₦26 billion spending.

The group warned that this move could disrupt the region’s peace and stability, achieved through PAP’s 15-year effort, and urged the National Assembly to focus on pressing national security challenges instead.

Congress News gathered that the PAP, established by presidential decree, had maintained peace in the Niger Delta by over 85%, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s oil output and economic stability.

The committee appealed for caution, citing the programme’s security-sensitive nature and the potential consequences of destabilizing the region.

They urged the Federal Government to increase PAP allocations, particularly for beneficiary allowances, to consolidate the region’s peace.

The group emphasized that protecting the Niger Delta’s peace is in the nation’s best interest.

The statement was signed by its National Leader, Gen. Aso Tambo and Members of the Phase (II) Think-Tank Peace Committee and members, Okoria Austin Bright, Orinaemi Hart, Clement Wodo, Emmanuel Oyeintari Lawson, and Taye Esau.

The statement read, the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) remains one of the most strategic and effective peace interventions ever initiated by a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Programme was established with the primary objective of restoring peace and stability in the Niger Delta, thereby creating an enabling environment for multinational oil companies to operate effectively. As widely acknowledged, Nigeria’s economy depends heavily on uninterrupted oil production; any disturbance in the Niger Delta directly endangers national economic stability.

“At the peak of the Niger Delta crisis, during the administrations of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the nation’s economy was pushed to the brink as a result of escalating armed agitation and widespread pipeline vandalism.

“It became clear to the Federal Government at the time that resolving the arms-bearing struggle in the region was crucial to safeguarding the national economy. This realization informed the creation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, an initiative designed to encourage ex-agitators to surrender their arms in exchange for peace, rehabilitation, and reintegration”.

“More than 15 years later, the successes of the PAP remain evident. Peace in the Niger Delta has been sustained by over 85%, contributing significantly to the stability of Nigeria’s oil output and, by extension, the survival of the national economy. Even during the emergence of the Niger Delta Avengers under former President Muhammadu Buhari, it became clear that any misstep or lack of engagement could easily reignite tension in the region”.

“We therefore use this medium to remind stakeholders especially our elected representatives that the Presidential Amnesty Programme is a special security initiative established under the exclusive constitutional powers of the President. It was not created through legislative consultation but through presidential veto authority because of its security-sensitive nature”.

“In this regard, we express deep concern over the recent decision of the House of Representatives to issue threats of arrest against the Administrator of PAP, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Burutu Otuaru. While Sections 88, 89, and 128 of the 1999 Constitution empower the National Assembly to conduct oversight activities, we strongly appeal for caution and wisdom in applying these powers to a programme as delicate as the PAP”.

“Rather than escalating tension around a peace initiative that has stabilized the region for more than a decade, we urge the House of Representatives to focus its oversight strength on pressing national security challenges such as kidnapping, banditry, and the rising wave of killings across the country areas that require urgent legislative attention”

“Threats of arrest directed at Dr. Dennis Otuaru himself a son of the struggle and a respected figure among ex-agitators may unintentionally trigger anger or destabilize the fragile peace currently enjoyed in the Niger Delta. Such actions should be avoided in the interest of national security. Issues affecting the welfare of PAP beneficiaries are traditionally handled through national security channels and should continue to be treated as such”.

“At this time, we call on the Federal Government to consider increasing allocations to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, particularly to strengthen the allowances of beneficiaries and consolidate the peace that the region has enjoyed. Peace in the Niger Delta must never be taken for granted. Any action capable of undermining it, no matter how insignificant it may seem, must be approached with intelligence, maturity, and restraint. As the saying goes, little drops of water make a mighty ocean”.

“While the House of Representatives is constitutionally empowered to carry out oversight functions, we respectfully urge members to exercise these powers with great caution, recognizing that the Niger Delta is currently stable and peaceful. Protecting this peace is in the best interest of the entire nation”.