....Tompolo Is receiving As much As 600 Million Naira monthly From The Programme's budget, Raising Serious Ethical Concerns

........."We call on President Bola Tinubu to act promptly," Richard urged. "Otuaro Is Jeopardizing Your Government and Inciting Anger Among Ex-Agitators."

In an urgent call for action, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme are rallying for the immediate dismissal of the programme's Administrator, Dennis Burutu Otuaro. The discontent among Niger Delta ex-agitators reached a boiling point as their spokesperson, Ebitimi Richard, publicly accused Otuaro of misappropriation of funds intended for stipend payments. The allegations, which surfaced amid rising local frustrations, paint a troubling picture of administrative failures that threaten the very essence of the programme.

Ebitimi Richard asserted that Otuaro has become the "worst Administrator" in the history of the programme, citing the consistent failure to disburse monthly stipends despite assurances from the Federal Government regarding funding. "The Federal Government has paid every parastatal their monthly funds, yet Dennis Burutu Otuaro has refused to pay our stipends," Richard complained. He emphasized that such actions represent a misuse of budgeted resources that could significantly improve the lives of the beneficiaries.

Richard further detailed the irony of the situation, noting that while President Bola Tinubu has increased the yearly budget for the amnesty programme from 65 billion naira to 115 billion naira, the monthly stipends for ex-agitators have yet to see a corresponding increase. "Otuaro has not raised our monthly stipend from 65,000 naira, and he's even withholding those payments," he lamented. Such inaction has bred disillusionment among the program's beneficiaries, who expected a more responsible management of resources.

Amidst these grievances, allegations have emerged regarding the personal financial interests of Otuaro and his associates. Richard pointedly remarked that individuals like Tompolo, Mathew Tonlagha, and Otuaro appear to view the Amnesty Programme as a "personal business," rather than a governmental initiative intended for the rehabilitation and re integration of former militants. Reports indicate that Tompolo may be receiving as much as 600 million naira monthly from the programme's budget, raising serious ethical concerns.

The situation is further complicated by allegations that a significant number of positions in the programme's scholarship initiatives have been monopolized by the families and associates of those in power, leaving many deserving candidates without opportunities for advancement. Richard highlighted that “90 percent of families, girlfriends, and community members are being favored for scholarships, thereby disenfranchising others.”

Frustration continues to mount as vocational training programs for ex-agitators have reportedly ceased under Otuaro's administration, which Richard described as having "seriously messed up" the Amnesty Programme since he took office. The lack of training and empowerment initiatives further reinforces the sentiment of betrayal felt by many beneficiaries, and the absence of direction is evident.

On June 12, ex-agitators took to the streets in various locations across the region, protesting Otuaro's continued tenure. The demonstrations were marked by calls for the release of overdue stipends, an increase in the monthly amounts to reflect current economic realities, and the reinstatement of vital training and empowerment programs for ex-combatants. 

Richard condemned the reactionary measures taken by Otuaro, who allegedly incited criminal elements to disrupt the peaceful protests. “It’s disheartening to see that instead of addressing our legitimate concerns, Otuaro resorts to violence. We demand respect and accountability from our leaders,” he stated firmly.

The demands from the Niger Delta veterans extend beyond mere financial compensation; they are calling on the Federal Government to not only dismiss Otuaro but also to initiate a thorough investigation into his actions. "We urge President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action," Richard implored. "Otuaro is undermining your government and instigating anger among ex-agitators."

In closing, the stakeholders in this unfolding drama are hopeful for a swift and decisive response from the Federal Government. The ex-agitators seek to restore faith in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, asserting that the time for change is long overdue. With tensions rising, the future of the programme hangs in the balance, casting a shadow over its mission to facilitate peace and rehabilitation in the region.