Otuaro running Amnesty Programme corruption-free – Akpodoro

The Mayor of Urhoboland, His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has defended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, against allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

In a statement released after a stakeholders’ meeting at his Mayoral Palace in Ughelli, Delta State, on Wednesday, Akpodoro dismissed the criticism as unfounded and driven by individuals seeking to profit from the programme.

He noted that under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the PAP had moved away from being a “Father Christmas” operation, which previously enabled profiteering and racketeering.

“The barrage of attacks on the Administrator of the PAP speaks volumes of bitterness arising from the departure from the ‘business as usual’ practices of the past,” the Mayor said.

Akpodoro attributed the allegations of fund misappropriation and bias in trainee selection to disgruntled former workers dismissed by Dr. Otuaro for administrative offenses, including fraud and theft.

“These sacked workers, inherited from previous administrations, once portrayed themselves as the conscience of the programme. However, they were complicit in the fraud that plagued the agency. Now, they have turned to attacking a man who is working tirelessly to reposition the programme for greater productivity in line with the vision of its founding fathers,” he said.

The Mayor praised Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, emphasizing his commitment to accountability, transparency, and the development of human and material resources in the Niger Delta.

“Dr. Otuaro’s management stands firmly on the principles of accountability, honesty, and transparency. His focus on aggressive human and material resource development in the Niger Delta places him among the foremost experts in human development,” Akpodoro stated.

He also highlighted Dr. Otuaro’s personal integrity, noting that his devotion to his traditional religion underscores his sincerity and humility.

“As a devoted traditional religion believer, Dr. Otuaro stands on the rock of his faith with humility and professional prowess. Those mocking his traditional beliefs are the same individuals who looted and discredited the agency in the past,” Akpodoro added.

Calling for an end to the attacks, Akpodoro urged detractors to support the prosperity agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is being implemented by the PAP under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.

“The best course of action for these attackers is to abandon their mischief and join hands in the development of the Niger Delta region,” he said.

Akpodoro also appealed to President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate and curb the activities of mischief-makers in the oil-rich region, warning against attempts to incite public distrust in the administration.