A stakeholder from Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Saturday Asekutu, has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, for what he described as their sustained commitment to humanitarian service, human capital development and the advancement of the Niger Delta.

Asekutu also appealed to stakeholders across the region to rise above ethnic differences, sentimental rivalry and divisive tendencies, stressing that unity and collective purpose remain critical to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.

Asekutu, an indigene of Polobubo Community, immediate past Welfare President of Polobubo Youths resident in Warri and current General Secretary of Polobubo Bloc Communities, made the remarks during an exclusive interview.

According to him, "A divided people expend their strength fighting one another, while a coordinated and united people multiply their capacity to achieve common goals."

He described Tompolo as a courageous Niger Delta leader whose interventions over the years have helped to draw attention to the aspirations and developmental concerns of riverine communities.

Asekutu said Tompolo's contributions should be assessed beyond ethnic sentiments, noting that his advocacy and interventions have continued to give the people of the creeks visibility in conversations concerning the development and future of the Niger Delta.

“Tompolo understands that leadership is more than occupying a traditional stool. He is always making sure that the aspirations of his people remain part of every important national conversation,” Asekutu said.

Turning to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Asekutu praised Otuaro's leadership, arguing that effective representation is not determined by how frequently a leader speaks but by the extent to which the concerns of the people are reflected in decisions and programmes that affect their lives.

He said Otuaro's administration has continued to keep issues affecting Niger Delta people on the national agenda through engagements, advocacy and interventions across communities in the region, noting that the PAP Administrator has demonstrated commitment to human capital development, educational and empowerment opportunities, healthcare initiatives and humanitarian welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of people across the Niger Delta.

He maintained that a region which fails to effectively participate in national conversations risks having its developmental priorities overlooked, adding that the PAP leadership has continued to project the aspirations of Niger Delta people beyond regional boundaries.

Asekutu therefore appealed for calm among stakeholders amid what he described as sentimental rivalry, ethnic differences and criticisms directed at the Otuaro-led Amnesty administration, as he urged Niger Deltans to evaluate the administration on the basis of its programmes, interventions and impact rather than ethnic considerations, stressing that development would be better achieved through cooperation and constructive engagement.

“High Chief Dennis Otuaro has demonstrated that true representation is about ensuring that the concerns of the creeks are never ignored,” he stated.

Asekutu further described Otuaro's approach as “leadership with purpose” and “representation with impact,” saying his administration has sought to translate the ideals behind the Niger Delta struggle into meaningful human development.

Asekutu, who notrd that both Tompolo and Otuaro have demonstrated commitment to the Niger Delta cause, called on leaders, youths and other stakeholders across the region to support initiatives capable of promoting peace, unity and sustainable development, as well as encourage cooperation and constructive criticism in the overall interest of the region, rather than allowing ethnic rivalry and personal differences to undermine collective progress.