....as We urge Mr President To Sack Dennis Otuaro Because His Actions Threaten The Peace and Stability Of The Niger Delta Region. 

In a powerful and uncompromising statement, Owus Owupele, speaking on behalf of the Niger Delta ex-agitators under the Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the betrayal and malicious actions of Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program. Owupele’s words resonate with frustration and demand urgent intervention from the highest echelons of government.

Owupele painted a vivid picture of disillusionment, revealing that despite the Federal Government’s renewed commitments to improve the livelihoods of Niger Delta ex-agitators—evidenced by increased budgetary allocation from 65 billion naira to an unprecedented 115 billion naira—Dr. Otuaro’s actions have starkly betrayed these efforts. Over 30,000 beneficiaries under the program continue to suffer, as their stipends are yet to be adjusted upwards despite the increased funds, a situation that Owupele described as a gross neglect of the program’s core objectives.

“The original aim of the Amnesty Program was to rehabilitate and empower our people, to give us hope and the opportunity to build better lives,” Owupele stated passionately. “But what we are witnessing now is a deliberate attempt to sabotage this noble initiative. Otuaro has refused to reflect the increased budget in our stipends, thereby denying us the support we deserve.”

The Forum leader accused Otuaro of orchestrating a series of manipulative and unlawful actions aimed at consolidating personal power. Key among these is the alleged refusal to restall wrongful delisting of genuine delegates without valid reasons, a move seen as an act of betrayal to those who have dedicated themselves to the peace process. Moreover, Owupele revealed plans by Otuaro to secretly appoint individuals—family members, cronies, and associates—who lack the necessary leadership qualifications or documented history to serve as generals in the program. These appointments, Owupele claimed, are to be made outside due process, bypassing established protocols and meritocratic standards.

Adding to the concerns was the revelation that Otuaro is allegedly planning to have these undocumented individuals undergo training in Abuja and Lagos, which Owupele criticized as “stealing by false pretense” under Section 419 of the Criminal Code. This move, he argued, was a blatant abuse of authority aimed solely at personal enrichment and consolidating nepotistic control rather than genuine development.

“Otuaro’s actions are a slap in the face to every ex-agitator who seeks peace and progress in the Niger Delta,” Owupele declared. “We are not anti-government, but we will not be silent as our hopes are trampled upon for the sake of personal gain. Justice must be served, and we demand accountability now.”

The ex-agitator leader issued a stark warning, emphasizing that if their grievances are not addressed within seven days, they will resort to other means of protest—including street demonstrations—to ensure their voices are heard. “Justice delayed is justice denied. We are prepared to take our fight to the streets if necessary,” he warned.

Furthermore, Owupele called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly. “Mr. President, your administration has increased the Amnesty Program’s budget, but the beneficiaries are not feeling the impact. We urge you to sack Dennis Otuaro because his actions threaten the peace and stability of the Niger Delta,” he said. “We cannot afford to have agitators turned enemies due to mismanagement and betrayal by those entrusted with our development. We are watching and waiting for your decisive action.”

In conclusion, the ex-agitator spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to justice and urged government authorities to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to due process in managing the Amnesty Program. The call for change grows louder, with Owusu Owupele articulating the collective desire of a marginalized people demanding dignity, fairness, and respect from their leaders. The time for manipulation and neglect must come to an end—justice must prevail.