....as He Was Accused of Recruiting Non-Original Ex-agitators—Criminals and Opportunists, Mainly in the third phase—To Oppose Genuine Ex-Agitators Advocating For Positive Change.

In a development that has sent shockwaves through Edo State’s peace and reintegration efforts, the Edo State Presidential Amnesty Delegates Forum, chairman,  Disemoh Tare has publicly accused Dennis Otuaro, the appointed overseer of the Amnesty Programme, of actively undermining the very initiatives designed to empower ex-agitators. Speaking exclusively as chairman of the forum, I can confirm that these allegations are serious, credible, and demand urgent attention.

The forum has alleged that Otuaro’s leadership has become a barrier rather than a support to President Bola Tinubu’s visionary policy to enhance the welfare of over 29,000 beneficiaries. Recently, President Tinubu approved a significant increase in the Amnesty Programme’s budget from N65 billion to N115 billion, aiming to provide increased stipends, vocational training, and employment opportunities. Yet, despite these commitments, Otuaro appears to have deliberately refused to implement the improved stipends, which currently remain at N65,000—a sum incongruous with today’s economic realities.

As forum chairman, I assert that Otuaro’s refusal to increase the stipends is a blatant attempt to deliberately impoverish the ex-agitators, many of whom rely solely on this support for their livelihoods. Instead of championing their cause, we allege he has become “the primary obstacle” to progress, actively blocking the intended benefits from reaching those they are meant to serve.

Adding to our concerns is the disturbing report that Otuaro has been using non-original ex agitators —such as armed robbers, kidnappers, and opportunists—who are mustly in the programme’s third phase for negative purpose. These individuals are not genuine ex-agitators but are allegedly being used as pawns to oppose genuine beneficiaries’ calls for fair stipends and better support. Such manipulations threaten the integrity of the entire programme and undermine genuine peace efforts.

Furthermore, credible sources indicate a clandestine network of sponsors backing some individuals within the system to support Otuaro’s dubious strategies. These insiders are accused of diverting funds, facilitating corruption, and enabling theft from the Amnesty coffers—activities which we believe threaten the sustainability of the programme and public trust.

The forum has expressed its gratitude to President Tinubu for his bold decision to increase the programme’s budget. However, we insist that without decisive action against these misconducts, the gains achieved could be squandered. If these injustices persist, ex-agitators may escalate their protests, potentially destabilizing the region’s fragile peace and influencing political stability in the region.

Our immediate demands are clear: we call for the reinstatement of allegedly unlawfully delisted delegates, an urgent review and substantial hike of stipends from N65,000 to at least N300,000, to match current living costs, and a collaborative effort with government and private sector partners to expand vocational training, employment, and scholarship opportunities specifically for the genuine ex-beneficiaries of Edo State.

In conclusion, the Edo State Presidential Amnesty Delegates Forum urges all relevant authorities and stakeholders to investigate these claims swiftly. The future peace of the region depends on transparent, fair, and accountable management of the Amnesty Programme. We will continue to stand guard, ensuring that justice and genuine development prevail, rather than personal interests and corruption.

We call on all stakeholders to scrutinize the actions of Otuaro and prioritize the welfare of the genuine ex-agitators to safeguard our collective peace and stability.