PAP: Ogidigba Backs Otuaro’s Reforms, Scholarships Regime

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The leader and national president of the third phase presidential amnesty programme delegates forum, Gen. Godstime Ogidigba has kicked against the proposed increment in the monthly stipends of beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), arguing that the move will have limited impact on the people of the Niger Delta if the programme’s underlying structural challenges are not addressed.

Ogidigba alleged that genuine leaders and delegates from Phases 1 to 3 of the Amnesty Programme from the Niger Delta constitute less than 50 percent of the approximately 30,000 beneficiaries, while non-Niger Delta beneficiaries allegedly make up more than half. He therefore argued that increasing the monthly stipend without first addressing the composition and integrity of the programme would be counterproductive, as a significant portion of the additional funds may not directly benefit the people the programme was established to support.

According to him, the fundamental challenge facing the Amnesty Programme lies in the foundation upon which it was established, which he alleged has been undermined by corruption and compromise. He further alleged that fake camps and beneficiary slots were created and allocated to Nollywood actors and actresses, politicians and civil servants from outside the Niger Delta, thereby weakening the original objectives of the programme.

Ogidigba maintained that the Presidential Amnesty Programme was established primarily to develop, train, educate and empower people of the Niger Delta, rather than operate as a charity scheme. He described the education-focused reforms being pursued by the Administrator, Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, as a pathway toward producing a new generation of intellectually equipped leaders capable of taking the Niger Delta to the global stage.

He therefore appealed to Niger Deltans to set aside grievances and sentiments and support the reforms of the Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro-led administration, stressing that sustained reforms in education, human capital development and empowerment are essential to preserving stability, fragile peace and security in the region.