Democracy Day: PAP boss lauds Tinubu’s impact on Niger Delta development

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Otuaro, has said that Democracy Day represents a defining milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, adding that it continues to serve as a unifying reference point for the country’s political development.

In a statement to mark the occasion, Otuaro said June 12 symbolises electoral freedom and the pursuit of credible democratic governance, stressing that it reflects Nigeria’s enduring aspiration for fair elections and accountable leadership.

According to a statement signed by his media aide, Igoniko Oduma on Friday, the PAP boss paid tribute to the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other figures associated with the June 12 struggle, stating that their sacrifices helped shape the return of democratic rule in 1999.

Otuaro commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and widen civic participation in governance.

He said development outcomes in the Niger Delta were evidence of the benefits of democracy under the current administration.

“The Niger Delta is enjoying the dividends of democracy under the administration of President Tinubu.”

The Amnesty boss linked improvements in the PAP to increased government backing, noting that expanded funding had strengthened scholarships, skills acquisition, and empowerment initiatives.

He disclosed that over 8,235 students were currently benefiting from local and foreign scholarship schemes under the programme, studying various professional and technical courses.

Otuaro further referenced several federal projects and institutions, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the South-South Development Commission, the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as indicators of government attention to the region’s development needs.

On security, he said government efforts were ongoing to address insecurity challenges, urging citizens to support security agencies in maintaining peace and stability.

He called on youths and former agitators in the Niger Delta to remain committed to peace, stressing that stability was essential for sustained development in the region.

Otuaro also cautioned against misinformation and political manipulation, advising residents to be vigilant against false promises from political actors.

The PAP boss maintained that the administration had demonstrated commitment to the region through visible projects and interventions, adding that continued cooperation would be necessary for further progress.

He also urged political support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that such backing would help consolidate peace and development gains.

Otuaro further expressed appreciation to the president for facilitating dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes relating to the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation exercise.

He said, “I know that this particular President has not hidden his love for the Niger Delta. His actions tell the story more than his words.

“His support for the massive education of our people, his creation of federal agencies, and commitment to sustained peace and development, all show that he loves our region.

“It will be on record that this particular President has effectively addressed the perennial political crises in the Warri Federal Constituency because of his quest for peace, security and development in the area.

“President Tinubu deserves our support because he has done well for our people. We should reward his hard work with political support come 2027.”