Leaders and beneficiaries of the Phase 2 Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have said that the recent distribution of palliatives, including rice and monetary tokens to beneficiaries of the programme, is a groundbreaking initiative that had never been done before.
The ex-agitators also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for the unprecedented approach to accountability and transparency in the administration of PAP.
Speaking on behalf of the group after overseeing the equal distribution of the palliatives and cash tokens, the Phase 2 National Chairman, Ibena Rufus Salvation, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Otuaro for the kind gesture, adding that it is the first time they as beneficiaries have experienced palliatives being shared by the Amnesty office.
“For the first time, we have experienced palliatives shared by the office, giving rice and tokens to entire leaders and beneficiaries of the programme. It has not happened before. We want to use this opportunity to thank Mr. President and also thank the Administrator, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, for what they have been doing,” he stated.
Acknowledging Otuaro’s efforts, Ibena urged him to remain focused and ignore cheap blackmail from detractors, whom he described as enemies of progress, and pledged the beneficiaries’ unconditional support for his administration.
He urged the Administrator to continue delivering on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu.
The national chairman also called on delegates awarded scholarships by the Amnesty Office to prioritise their studies and strive for excellence. He emphasised the importance of academic success in showcasing the value of the programme, encouraging the beneficiaries to make their families, communities, and the Amnesty office proud.
Reaffirming their commitment to the programme, Ibena expressed hope that the ongoing reforms would foster a new era of accountability and progress, which will bring sustainable development and further strengthen the impact of the Presidential Amnesty Programme on the Niger Delta region.
