Ex-agitator Extols Sterling Leadership Qualities of New Amnesty Coordinator

… Says He Has In-depth Understanding of the Niger Delta Struggle

Paschai Emeka | Posted April 1st, 2024

Following the recent appointment of Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro as substantive Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, a third phase leader of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Ebi John has described Dr. Otuaro, as a renowned Niger Delta activist and scholar who participated in the Niger Delta struggle, informing that he is so devoted to the Niger Delta cause.

Speaking with newsmen on Easter Monday in Yenagoa, Mr. John hinted that apart from Kingsley Kuku, Dr. Otuaro’s good track record in the Niger Delta struggle, his profound commitment to improving the living standards of the people of the region and his in-depth understanding of the struggle for fair share of its natural resources in terms of socio-economic development which gave birth to the Presidential Amnesty Proclamation by Late President Umar Yar’adua, rank him higher than all former coordinators of the Presidential Amnesty Programme from inception.

He pointed out that Dr. Otuaro’s grand development plan for the oil-rich region which he aptly demonstrated in his previous public engagements was an indication that the new coordinator has come with a very positive mindset to change the narrative of the programme with a view to empowering the ex-agitators, reiterating that Dr. Otuaro was one of those who were at the forefront of the Niger Delta struggle, advocating a better deal for the marginalised people of the region.

According to Mr. John, the new Amnesty Coordinator, has comprehensive knowledge of the Niger Delta region, saying that Dr. Otuaro’s vast knowledge of the perennial challenges facing the people, being a vocal advocate of peace and holistic development of the oil-rich region had triggered his relentless efforts and personal sacrifices that contributed to the emergence of the Amnesty Programme.

The third phase ex-agitator further disclosed that Dr. Otuaro as a grassroots mobiliser with impressive credentials, who is deeply committed to addressing the numerous environmental and socio-cultural challenges, plaguing the Niger Delta region, is the best man for the job of Coordinator due to his leadership charisma and managerial capacity to tackle the issues affecting the region which he holds dearly at heart.

Mr. John noted that High Chief Otuaro has been a goal-oriented Niger Delta leader as well as a peace advocate who is well educated with a strong foundation in political administration, having a wealth of experience in human resources management which he would bring to bear on the new assignment.

Recall that Dr. Otuaro holds a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Comparative Politics and Development Studies from the University of Benin. He also holds a Master of Public Administration and an M.Sc in International Relations from the same university and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science Education.

He has cultivated relationships with leaders at all levels to develop and maintain support for effective system implementation with leadership skills, initiating corporate strategy and implementation, managing people across several academic and social groups, setting strategic goals, and engaging stakeholders.

High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro has served as a member of the Presidential Council on the Socio-Economic Development of the Coastal States of the Niger Delta, a member of the United States Institute of Peace (Usip), a Fellow Alternative to Dispute Resolution in Africa, and President of the National Union of Izon-Ibe (Ijaw) (Nuis) World Wide.

He was once Chief Protocol at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and Principal Consultant of Owelle Global, focusing on the logistics and consultancy sector of the Nigerian Business Environment

High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Ibe-Uyadonwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, hails from Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State and a significant figure in the Niger Delta struggle.