Niger Delta Veterans Defend Amnesty Programme, Administrator

Veterans of the Niger Delta struggle have publicly defended the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and its Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, against allegations of corruption by a group of disgruntled former agitators.
In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, the veterans state that the PAP and Dr. Otuaro have significantly improved the lives of former agitators and contributed to greater security and increased oil production in the region.
They highlighted their own role in establishing the PAP in 2009 and emphasized their commitment to its success. They refuted claims against Dr. Otuaro, stating that the program’s financial practices are transparent and legitimate.
The veterans described the accusations as a “campaign of calumny” motivated by a desire to discredit Dr. Otuaro and the PAP. They attributed the accusations to disgruntled ex-agitators who were denied positions within the programme and are now seeking revenge.
The veterans praised Dr. Otuaro’s leadership for introducing reforms aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. They also noted the recent rise in oil production as a result of the programme’s success.
The veterans urged President Tinubu and the public to disregard the accusations and acknowledge the programme’s positive impact on the Niger Delta region.
The PAP and its Administrator, Dr. Otuaro had come under strong criticism of some former agitators under the name of Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum. They alleged financial misappropriation against the administrator especially with regard to payments to stakeholders.
But the veterans in their letter to the President said, “As stakeholders, we can attest to the programme’s transparency, accountability, and commitment to its stated objectives.
“We urge you and the public to disregard these baseless allegations and instead focus on the programme’s numerous achievements and contributions to peace and development in the Niger Delta region.”
The veterans said the payments made to stakeholders were legitimate and in accordance with standard accounting principles and practices of the Federal Government, which can be verified.
“It is evident that the allegations are motivated by a desire to discredit Dr. Otuaro and the programme. Certain ex-agitators who failed to secure appointments as Administrator of the PAP are now seeking to exert revenge and undermine the progress made by the programme.
“Their actions are nothing short of a campaign of calumny, aimed at destroying the reputation of Dr. Otuaro and the programme.”
In conclusion, the veterans said, “We will continue to work tirelessly with other stakeholders to ensure that the programme’s objectives are achieved, despite the attempts by detractors to undermine its progress.
“Mr. President, we want to equally use this medium to call on you and all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its efforts to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region.”
The letter was signed by 22 veterans and stakeholders of the Niger Delta struggle including Mr. Felix Tuodolo, Ms. Ibiba Don Pedro, Morris Alagoa, Elder Kennedy Orubebe, Dr. Oyeinfie Jojon, Elfrida Olungwe, Kime Engozu, Welman Warri and Tonbra Kasikoro. Others are Cooler Hart, Hendricks Opukeme, Ari Ari, Emmanuel Alagbarigha, David Imole, Rosebella Jackson, Ben Donyegha and Lolo Hailsham. The rest are Anaye-Kio Akintunde,Tina Tobusi, Dan Ekpebide, Primrose Oringeriya Kpokposei and Sylvester Asowei.
The letter was copied to the Chairman of the EFCC, the Chairman of the ICPC and the Director General of NFIU.