Amnesty Stakeholder Calls For Dialogue Amidst Planned Protest Over Amnesty Program Issues

John Esuku, Vice Chairman of the Second Phase of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP), has appealed to Niger Delta ex-agitators to refrain from participating in a planned protest against the leadership of Dr Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the current PAP administrator.

Warri Sentinel gathered that the protest, set for October 1, 2024, stems from grievances over unpaid stipends and other challenges faced by beneficiaries of the amnesty program. Esuku called for patience, assuring that the PAP office is working to resolve these issues through constructive dialogue.

Esuku praised Dr. Otuaro’s commitment to addressing the challenges within the program, including delayed payments and the revitalization of the educational scholarship scheme. While recognizing the right to protest, he stressed that peaceful dialogue with the PAP office would be more effective in achieving lasting solutions.

He encouraged ex-agitators to rally behind Otuaro’s administration, underscoring the need for unity to fulfill the long-term goals of the amnesty program.

The Presidential Amnesty Program was originally established to bring peace to the Niger Delta by offering former militants pathways to reintegration and personal development.