Allegations against PAP boss baseless – N/Delta CSOs

The Concerned Niger Delta Civil Society Groups, comprising the Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum (IYCF), Ex Agitators Third Phase, Ndukwa Youth Association and other key stakeholders, have described allegations against the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaru, as baseless and politically motivated. Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday on behalf of the groups, […]

The Concerned Niger Delta Civil Society Groups, comprising the Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum (IYCF), Ex Agitators Third Phase, Ndukwa Youth Association and other key stakeholders, have described allegations against the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaru, as baseless and politically motivated.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday on behalf of the groups, High Chief Ebizimor Preye Raphael, Chairman/CEO of IYCF, said these allegations, which “seek to undermine the integrity and leadership of Dr. Otuaro, are nothing more than a desperate attempt by vested interests to derail the transformative agenda he has championed since assuming office.”

Raphael said Otuaro had remained steadfast in his commitment to the development, peace, and stability of the Niger Delta region, and we will not allow unfounded accusations to taint his hard-earned reputation.

He said following an independent investigation by the IYCF into the claims of financial mismanagement attributed to Dr. Otuaro, “we can unequivocally state that these allegations are fabricated, baseless, and devoid of merit. Our findings indicate that these claims are being propagated by individuals who previously benefited from the systemic abuse and mismanagement of the PAP and are now threatened by the reforms instituted by the current administration.”

He said: “Since assuming office in 2024, Dr. Otuaro has introduced and executed far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the PAP for effective service delivery. On a boarder scale, these include:

“Expansion of the PAP Scholarship Scheme – More Niger Delta youths now have access to quality education, empowering them for a brighter future.

“Introduction of New Vocational Training Programmes – These initiatives equip ex-agitators with relevant skills for gainful self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.

“Enhanced Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms – A robust framework has been established to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in programme implementation.”

The groups therefore called “on the general public, stakeholders, and media organizations to reject these spurious allegations and rally behind the ongoing transformation of the PAP under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.

“The media, in particular, has a crucial role to play in upholding journalistic ethics by ensuring that reports are based on verifiable facts rather than unfounded speculation.”