N/Delta Stakeholders Condemn Allegations Against Amnesty Programme Administrator

A coalition of revered elders, leaders, and veterans of the Niger Delta self-determination movement has condemned recent allegations against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro. The group, which played a pivotal role in the establishment of the programme, described the accusations as baseless and a desperate attempt to undermine the progress […]

A coalition of revered elders, leaders, and veterans of the Niger Delta self-determination movement has condemned recent allegations against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro.

The group, which played a pivotal role in the establishment of the programme, described the accusations as baseless and a desperate attempt to undermine the progress achieved under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.

According to a statement made available to the media on Monday, the stakeholders expressed their utmost disappointment over the allegations levied by the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum. The group explained that the Amnesty Programme has remained committed to its core objectives of reintegration, economic empowerment, and regional development. The stakeholders urged the presidency to disregard the claims, emphasizing the programme’s transformative impact on the lives of former agitators and the Niger Delta as a whole.

The statement in a letter directed to the Presidency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained that the Amnesty Programme under Dr. Otuaro has introduced significant reforms to enhance transparency and accountability.

The group decided that the payments made to stakeholders were legitimate and in line with federal government procedures. It further highlighted that these engagements were necessary for maintaining peace and stability in the region, contributing to the recent rise in crude oil production.

Dismissing the allegations of financial misappropriation, the stakeholders asserted that certain disgruntled ex-agitators, who had failed to secure appointments as Administrator, were behind the smear campaign. They described the claims as a campaign of calumny aimed at discrediting Dr. Otuaro’s leadership and the progress of the programme.

The group also pointed out that previous fraudulent patronage and illicit financial activities within the programme had been drastically curtailed under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership. According to the statement, his efforts have ensured that funds are properly utilized for the benefit of the programme’s beneficiaries, rather than being misappropriated by a few individuals with vested interests.

The stakeholders urged the President to continue supporting the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its efforts to promote peace and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. They reaffirmed their commitment to working with other stakeholders to ensure the programme’s objectives are fully realized despite attempts by detractors to derail its progress.

The letter, signed by 22 key stakeholders, was also copied to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Director General of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and members of the press.