High Chief Michael Johnny, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and Agadiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area, has voiced his backing for Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
Johnny called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to pay no heed to demands for Otuaro's ousting from his role.
He suggests that those advocating for Otuaro's removal are anxious about potential disruptions to their existing practices within the Amnesty office, as Otuaro has vowed to tackle corruption within the program.
Furthermore, Johnny condemned what he viewed as orchestrated smear campaigns and media attacks against prominent Ijaw figures such as Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
He cautioned against attempts by certain individuals and troublemakers to stoke discord among other Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State against Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Johnny stressed that allegations of Gbaramatu Kingdom showing favoritism in political appointments and federal benefits over other Ijaw kingdoms are unfounded and should be dismissed.
He also clarified that Gbaramatu Kingdom has only had one Deputy Governor in collaboration with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as the current Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Johnny highlighted that RT. Hon. Julius Pondi, representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in Abuja, comes from Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area, underscoring the diverse Ijaw representation in the region.
According to The Nation, Johnny said, “ For the records, Gbaramatu Kingdom has only produced the immediate past Deputy Governor, Dr. Kingsley Otuaro, which was a joint ticket with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the incumbent Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor. It should be made clear that RT. Hon. Julius Pondi, representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja, is an Ijaw from Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area."