Niger Delta Groups Back PAP Budget, Dismiss Claims Against Otuaro, Pondi
*Coalition says amnesty funds are delivering scholarships, vocational training, and peacebuilding across the region
The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders (CNDYS) has defended the implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) budget, dismissing allegations against the Programme’s Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and the General Manager of Operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi.
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The coalition maintained that the allegations against PAP and its administrator, Dr. Otuaro by critics bordering on the utilisation of an increased budgetary allocation to the PAP office were baseless and unfounded.
The stakeholders asserted that the programme’s resources are being deployed in line with its statutory mandate and are supporting education, human capital development, vocational training, peacebuilding, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
In a statement on Friday signed by its Secretary, Comrade Odede Charles Precious, the Coalition described the allegations as unfounded and maintained that the programme’s resources are being deployed in line with its statutory mandate.
According to the group, PAP funds are being invested in education, human capital development, vocational empowerment, peace-building, and sustainable development initiatives across the region.
The Coalition stated that the Programme currently sponsors more than 9,000 scholarship beneficiaries in tertiary institutions within Nigeria and abroad, while also supporting postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom through successive batches of scholars.
It added that beneficiaries had received specialised training in maritime operations, aviation, information and communication technology, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and other strategic sectors, alongside the provision of laptops and other learning materials.
CNDYS further claimed that the Programme had produced more than 50 First Class graduates and over 40 Second Class Upper graduates, describing the achievements as evidence of its commitment to human capital development.
The group also commended Chief Pondi for his contributions to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta.
It said Pondi’s interventions had positively impacted many lives.
In the same vein, the Coalition praised Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, saying that his administration had contributed to sustaining peace, protecting critical national assets, and promoting stability across the region.
It urged individuals and groups to refrain from disseminating what it described as false information capable of creating unnecessary tension or undermining the gains recorded in the Niger Delta.
It equally called on critics to embrace constructive engagement while restating its support for the current leadership of the PAP, citing achievements in stipend payments, educational support, capacity building, empowerment programmes, and regional peacebuilding.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 24TH 2026)
