Senator Onyesoh Urges Increased Funding and Support for Presidential Amnesty Programme to Tackle Niger Delta Issues
By Peter Oriri
Senator representing Rivers East and Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), highlighting his deep understanding of the Niger Delta Region’s struggles.
Senator Onyesoh expressed his satisfaction with this appointment during an interactive meeting between the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). He contrasted Dr. Otuaro’s appointment with past administrations, which he claimed were often led by elites disconnected from the region’s realities.
During the meeting, Senator Onyesoh assured that the Senate would fully support the initiatives and programs of the Amnesty, emphasizing that there is no room for failure. He stressed the importance of appropriating more funds to the PAP to effectively carry out its activities, noting the region’s struggles with destruction and critical illnesses caused by oil production.
Senator Onyesoh also urged Dr. Otuaro to expand his responsibilities to include constructing good schools, hospitals, and other essential services to alleviate the burdens of the Niger Delta region. He questioned the feasibility of Nigeria’s plan to increase oil production to two million barrels per day if the region remains discontent and unrest persists.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Otuaro revealed that he inherited a debt of #98 billion when he assumed office in March this year. The PAP is tasked with reintegrating beneficiaries into society by training and empowering them to become entrepreneurs or employable citizens who contribute positively to the regional economy and Nigeria at large.
Earlier, Senator Olajiide Ipisangba (Ondo North), the committee chairman, stated that the purpose of the interactive session was to explore how the Senate could support the ongoing activities initiated by the PAP.