N’Delta now most peaceful under Tinubu — Otuaro

Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of Nigeria's Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), asserted on Monday that the Niger Delta region is now the most peaceful in the country. He credited this significant development to the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu and the support from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

“

We want to say it unapologetically that the Niger Delta is the most peaceful region in Nigeria. There is no apology for this fact.

Otuaro made these remarks while inaugurating the sixth batch of a leadership, alternative dispute resolution, and mediation training for PAP stakeholders in Abuja. The two-day workshop, attended by 120 participants, aims to bolster conflict resolution mechanisms and sustain peace within the oil-rich region. Otuaro emphasized that the PAP's peacebuilding efforts are yielding positive results under the Federal Government's "Renewed Hope Agenda."

"We want to say it unapologetically that the Niger Delta is the most peaceful region in Nigeria. There is no apology for this fact," Otuaro stated. He expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their "unwavering support," which he believes has strengthened peace consolidation efforts. "We know that President Tinubu believes in us, and there is no request we will make for our region that he will not grant," he added.

“

Our peacebuilding process in the region is working under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and with the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Further illustrating the government's commitment, Otuaro noted substantial investments in education and human capital development to prevent conflict relapse. Currently, approximately 8,500 scholarship beneficiaries are pursuing degrees within Nigeria, with an additional 247 engaged in postgraduate studies abroad through the PAP. Otuaro views these educational initiatives as crucial for ensuring lasting peace and development in the Niger Delta.

“

We are eternally grateful to President Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their strong backing for the Presidential Amnesty Programme. We know that President Tinubu believes in us, and there is no request we will make for our region that he will not grant.

Looking ahead, Otuaro expressed confidence that the Niger Delta region would offer strong support for President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. He stated, "And come 2027, we will not be swayed by the rhetoric of ‘political businessmen’. We will give 100 per cent support to President Tinubu because we believe that he will do more for the region in his second term."

“

And come 2027, we will not be swayed by the rhetoric of ‘political businessmen’. We will give 100 per cent support to President Tinubu because we believe that he will do more for the region in his second term.