The Ijaw People's Development Initiative (IPDI) has declared that no previous Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has surpassed the ongoing reforms being implemented by the current Administrator, High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, urging critics to end what it described as a sustained campaign of blackmail, witch-hunt, and "pull-him-down syndrome" against him.

The group maintained that rather than being subjected to sponsored attacks, Dr. Otuaro deserves the support of all stakeholders for the significant progress recorded under his leadership since assuming office.

Speaking in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Austin Ozobo, in Warri on Thursday (July 3, 2026), IPDI said the PAP under Otuaro has witnessed remarkable reforms within a relatively short period, positioning the programme on a path of greater efficiency, accountability, and beneficiary-focused service delivery.

According to Ozobo, the current administration has prioritised the expansion of foreign scholarship opportunities, payment of outstanding scholarship obligations and monthly stipends, improved vocational and skills acquisition programmes, as well as the reintegration of ex-agitators into productive ventures.

He asserted that Otuaro's performance has distinguished him from previous administrators of the programme.

"No previous Administrator of PAP has beaten Otuaro's records of reforms so far. From training to welfare, he has demonstrated capacity, transparency, and a clear roadmap for beneficiaries," Ozobo stated.

The group further alleged that certain political interests were sponsoring media attacks and petitions aimed at discrediting the PAP Administrator, describing the campaign as a deliberate attempt to frustrate Delta State's representation at the federal level.

Ozobo warned those behind the alleged smear campaign to immediately desist, insisting that the Amnesty Programme should not be turned into a platform for political vendettas.

"We are warning these blackmailers to stop the witch-hunt and pull-him-down syndrome. Dr. Dennis Otuaro is not an enemy of the Niger Delta. He is a son of Delta who is delivering, and he deserves support, not sabotage," he said.

IPDI stressed that constructive criticism should be based on verifiable facts rather than what it termed "sponsored narratives" designed to undermine the stability and progress of the Amnesty Programme.

The organisation also called on stakeholders across the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, and Anioma ethnic nationalities to unite behind Otuaro's leadership to ensure that Delta State derives maximum benefits from its current opportunity to lead the federal intervention programme.

According to Ozobo, federal appointments are scarce and should be protected when appointees are delivering on their mandates.

"Federal appointments are limited. When one of us gets there and is performing, the wise thing to do is to support him so the entire region benefits," he added.

Dr. Dennis Otuaro was appointed Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since assuming office, his administration has embarked on reforms aimed at strengthening institutional accountability, expanding educational and vocational opportunities, and enhancing the overall welfare and reintegration of beneficiaries across the nine Niger Delta states.