Presidential Amnesty Programme

PRESS RELEASE

New INC Officials Inaugurated

A new national executive council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was, on Thursday, inaugurated in Warri, Delta State.

Among those inaugurated were High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei , President; Dr Okubokeme Tuodolo; Vice President 1; Rose Obuoforibo, Vice President 2; Kennedy Odiowei, Vice President 3; and Dr Ayanate Kio, Secretary.

They were elected at the INC national convention which took place at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, in April 2026.

The formal inauguration marked the end of the five-year tenure of the immediate past President of the INC, Prof.. Benjamin Okaba, who delivered a valedictory speech at the ceremony.

Among those in attendance were federal and state lawmakers of Ijaw extraction, top government officials, royal fathers and elders from the various clans of the Ijaw nation, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, officials of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and stakeholders of the INC.

Okaba said the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation made significant achievements under his leadership, stressing that "the INC has established its presence in the global community."

He urged the new leadership under Igbadiwei to sustain the unity of the Ijaw nation, promote Ijaw culture and advocate for the creation of additional local government areas in Bayelsa State, which has only eight local governments.

He lauded the INC electoral committee chaired by the retired Justice F. F . Tabai for conducting credible election which aided a smooth transition process.

Okaba urged the new leadership to uphold the constitution of the INC in the conduct of affairs of the organization.

Okaba also called on the stakeholders of the INC, clans and community leaderships to support the new president and members of his council.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated INC President, MacDonald Igbadiwei, described the event as "a historic moment" in the Ijaw nation.

He pledged to work for the unity and development of the Ijaw nation, stressing that the socio-political and economic interests of the Ijaw people would be protected and projected.

He decried the fact that Bayelsa State which contributes immensely to the economic well-being of the country has only eight LGAs while some states that contribute less have over 40 LGAs.

He vowed to pursue equity and justice for the Ijaw nation, noting that the transition process showed the commitment of the INC to democratic values and internal cohesion.

Speaking on the event, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, commended the Igbadiwei-led INC executives on their successful inauguration and expressed confidence in their ability to lead the nation.

"As a stakeholder in the Ijaw nation, I have confidence in the ability of the new leadership of the Ijaw National Congress under High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei to give the Ijaw nation a new direction", he said.

Dr Otuaro also urged them to strengthen unity and love among Ijaw people.

Signed:
Mr Igoniko Oduma
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme
14 May, 2026.

Today, the dynamic Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, joined the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and other eminent sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation to grace the official inauguration of the newly elected National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) with High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei as President.

The event took place in Warri, Delta State.

PRESS RELEASE

Easter: Otuaro Felicitates Niger Delta Communities, Urges Peace, Hope, Renewed Commitment to Development

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has extended warm Easter greetings to the people of the Niger Delta, calling on them to embrace the enduring values of sacrifice, peace, and hope symbolised by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Dr Otuaro urged people of the region to use the Easter season as a time for sober reflection, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to peaceful co-existence and sustainable development.

He noted that the message of Easter remains particularly significant for the Niger Delta, given its history and ongoing journey towards stability and prosperity, adding that the virtues of love, forgiveness, and selflessness are critical to consolidating the gains of peace in the region.

Dr Otuaro highlighted the strides recorded under the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the programme has continued to deliver on its mandate through expanded educational opportunities, vocational training, and strategic partnerships aimed at empowering beneficiaries and fostering long-term economic growth in the Niger Delta.

He emphasised that these achievements underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of unrest, while creating pathways for youth empowerment and regional development.

While acknowledging the socio-economic and security challenges facing the nation, the PAP Administrator urged the people not to lose faith in the country’s future.

“President Tinubu and his team are working assiduously to stabilise the economy, improve security, and build a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. This is a time for all of us to keep hope alive and support ongoing efforts at national renewal,” he said.

He further appealed to community leaders, youths, and stakeholders across the Niger Delta to sustain the prevailing peace and avoid actions that could undermine the progress recorded in the region.

He also called for peaceful and orderly Easter celebrations, stressing the importance of unity and mutual respect among all ethnic and religious groups.

Dr Otuaro wished the people of the Niger Delta a joyous and blessed Easter, expressing hope that the season would usher in renewed faith, healing, and greater opportunities for all.

Signed:
Mr Igoniko Oduma
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
4 April, 2026.