The Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, has described Zik Gbemre’s attempt to discredit the appointment of Dr. Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme as ‘delusional’.
Gbemre had suggested Otuaro to be a stooge of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo following his appointment, arguing that he no longer “serves the intended common good”.
Reacting to the outburst, the Information Officer of the IYC Western Zone, Tare Magbei, on Wednesday, described Gbemre as a delusional fellow who is only interested in beating the drums of tribalism.
According to Magbei, Otuaro’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu was nothing short of a strategic decision towards the sustenance of peace in the Niger Delta region.
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The Information Officer added that Gbemre’s description of Tompolo was an attempt to disrespect a man who has always prioritized the interest of the Niger Delta.
Magbei said;
“It is baffling how someone like Zik Gbemre, who clearly knows little about the history and intricacies of the Niger Delta, could spew such venomous and baseless accusations
“The appointment of Dennis Otuaro as Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP) was a strategic move for the continued stability of the Niger Delta. Calling him a “stooge” of Tompolo is not only disrespectful but shows a deep misunderstanding of the workings of the region and the people.
“To call into question Tompolo’s contributions, leadership, and influence is not just ignorant; it reeks of resentment towards a man who has sacrificed much for the Niger Delta’s peace.
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“Tompolo is a hero to many in the region, not because he is violent, as you insinuate, but because he is a man of action who fought for the rights of the oppressed people of the Niger Delta long before opportunists like you began to criticize from the comfort of your ignorance.
“Let us not forget that the very Presidential Amnesty Program you attempt to discredit was born out of the resistance and agitation of individuals like Tompolo, who fought for the fair treatment of the Niger Delta
“These struggles paved the way for a relative peace that allowed the federal government to continue benefiting from the region’s resources. If Tompolo had not stood his ground, Nigeria would still be grappling with unrest in the Niger Delta, and opportunists like you would have little to write about.
“It is absurd to claim that Tompolo has hijacked the Amnesty Program. The PAP has always been about the people, and the appointment of Dennis Otuaro is a continuation of that vision. Otuaro is no stooge.
“He is a capable individual with a deep understanding of the Niger Delta’s complexities, appointed based on merit, not coercion. You lament the “law-abiding” tribes not being represented—this is a clear case of tribal envy disguised as a concern for justice.
“The Niger Delta is not a place where merit is disregarded for violence; it is a place where leaders emerge from those who care deeply about the welfare of their people.
“Furthermore, your insinuations about the generosity of Tompolo donating a transit building to the military being a “Greek gift” are laughable. Tompolo’s philanthropy is well-documented, and it is precisely this kind of malicious mischaracterization that stokes unnecessary division in the region. The military celebrating his donation is a recognition of his ongoing commitment to peace and stability.
“You mention education as a “scam” in your long, incoherent tirade. It is clear you are projecting your frustrations, as it is individuals like you who peddle such dangerous rhetoric. Education is no scam, but your delusions certainly are. The Niger Delta’s issues are complex and can not be simplified by your tired narrative of violent people being rewarded. Violence is not glorified here, but resistance against oppression will always be justified.
“President Tinubu, in appointing Otuaro, has demonstrated his commitment to maintaining the peace and progress achieved in the Niger Delta, despite your baseless insinuations. The real issue here is not the appointment of Otuaro but the bitterness of individuals like you who wish to stoke tribal tensions for your selfish gains.
“In conclusion, the Niger Delta is a shared heritage, and the Ijaw people, like every other tribe in the region, have a stake in its future. If you can not see that, then perhaps it is you who needs to stop living in the past. The PAP, under the leadership of Dennis Otuaro, will continue to serve all Niger Delta people, whether you like it or not.
