The Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum has formally petitioned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, urging an immediate investigation into the actions of Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The group alleges that Otuaro’s mismanagement of the programme, including the refusal to increase stipends, favoritism, and refusal to restate unlawful delisting of beneficiaries, threatens the fragile peace in the Niger Delta region.  

In a letter addressed to the NSA and dated May 29, 2025, the group expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NSA for increasing the budgetary allocation to the Amnesty Programme, which aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. However, they raised serious concerns about Otuaro’s alleged failure to implement policies that reflect the economic realities faced by ex-agitators.  

The group outlined several grievances against Otuaro, including his refusal to increase monthly stipends from ₦65,000 to ₦300,000 despite the rising cost of living. They also accused him of shortchanging original beneficiaries while allegedly favoring associates and cronies with ₦500,000 monthly stipends. Additionally, the letter highlighted the unlawful addition of undocumented persons to the programme and the unjustified delisting of legitimate beneficiaries.  

The ex-agitators warned that these actions could erode trust in the federal government and provoke negative sentiments toward President Tinubu’s leadership. They emphasized that the mismanagement of the Amnesty Programme could reignite unrest in the Niger Delta, undermining years of progress toward peace and stability.  

The group called on the NSA to initiate a thorough investigation into Otuaro’s administration of the programme and to address their grievances promptly. They urged the NSA to direct Otuaro to act diligently and transparently to avoid actions that could jeopardize the relative peace in the region.  

The letter was signed by OWOUPELE ENEORIKUMOH OWOUS, National Chairman, and OMINIDOUGHA I. RICHARD, National Secretary of the Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum.  

This development comes at a critical time when the Niger Delta region continues to grapple with economic challenges and calls for equitable resource distribution. The allegations against Otuaro raise questions about the effectiveness of the Amnesty Programme and its ability to meet the needs of its beneficiaries.  

As the NSA considers this petition, stakeholders in the Niger Delta are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that will prevent further discontent and maintain the hard-won peace in the region.