.....despite A Significant Increase In The Budgetary Allocation to N115billion, With An Additional N36 billion Contingency, Totaling N151 Billion For The Welfare of Ex-Agitators, The Stipends Remain Woefully Inadequate

.....as His actions Threaten Government Stability And Tarnish The President’s Reputation

In a bold and resolute statement, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme have exposed the injustices perpetrated by Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the programme’s administrator. Despite a significant increase in the budgetary allocation to N115 billion, with an additional N36 billion contingency, totaling N151 billion for the welfare of ex-agitators, the stipends remain woefully inadequate. This has sparked outrage among beneficiaries, who are now demanding immediate action to address the glaring disparities.  

“We demand a stipend increment to N300,000, considering the current economic realities. This is non-negotiable,” said Owoupele Eneoriekumoh Owous, a national servant and beneficiary of the programme, who signed the statement on behalf of the Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum.  

The beneficiaries accuse Dr. Otuaro of sabotaging the very essence of the Amnesty Programme, which was established to restore peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. “Dr. Otuaro’s actions contradict the purpose of the Amnesty Programme. He is prioritizing personal interests, planning to damage the Niger Delta Region, and sabotaging President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Owous stated.  

The statement further highlighted Otuaro’s alleged disregard for the welfare of ex-agitators, despite the increased budget. “For Otuaro not to be at peace with the ex-agitators and refuse to take care of their welfare and make life meaningful for them, even after President Tinubu increased the Amnesty Programme budget to N151 billion, means he is destroying the Tinubu administration. He is working for the opposition underground,” Owous declared.  

A particularly contentious issue raised by the beneficiaries is Otuaro’s purported plan to introduce new individuals, including women, into the Amnesty Programme, which they argue is strictly for arms bearers. “We reject and vehemently oppose Otuaro’s plans to bring in purported persons and women into the Amnesty Programme. This move is unconstitutional, illiterate, and unacceptable. It contravenes the provisions of Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” Owous emphasized.  

The beneficiaries also accused Otuaro of making unilateral decisions without consulting the leaders of the programme, thereby fostering division and unrest in the region. "Otuaro shows blatant disregard for the leaders of the programme, making poor decisions without consultation. He is intentionally fermenting troubles in the region and continuing a divide-and-rule strategy to favor his personal interests,” Owous added.  

In a shocking revelation, the statement accused Otuaro of using miscreants to undermine the remaining founders of the programme as stakeholders, with the exception of Tompolo. “Otuaro has stooped so low that he’s using miscreants to shortchange the remaining founders of the programme. This is a slap in the face of our revered leaders,” Owous lamented.  

The beneficiaries have called on President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action. “We urge President Tinubu to relieve Dr. Otuaro of his duties as Administrator. His actions threaten government stability and tarnish the President’s reputation,” Owous asserted.  

The statement concluded with a call for unity and resolve among the beneficiaries. “We, the Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, stand united for justice, equity, and fairness. We won’t be silenced, and we urge everyone to stand up for their rights. We call on President Tinubu to sack Dennis Otuaro before it’s too late, as his plan is to make ex-agitators turn their backs on the Tinubu administration with his style of leadership,” Owous declared.  

The beneficiaries’ demands and accusations underscore a growing crisis within the Presidential Amnesty Programme, with calls for accountability and transparency becoming increasingly urgent. As the Niger Delta region watches closely, the ball is now in President Tinubu’s court to address these grievances and restore faith in the programme’s mission.