...As The Fight for Niger Delta Amnesty Stipends Just Shifted And My Clear Conscience Fears No Accusation 

When a lie is left unchallenged, it slowly masquerades as truth to an unsuspecting public. Recently, critics have pointed fingers at me, asking ; "Ezekiel Daniel, you previously opposed the increment of the Ex-agitators' stipends, so why the sudden change of heart?"

I listen to these accusations with a ironic smile, knowing how little the public understands about what actually transpired behind closed doors. Throughout my life, I have taken full responsibility for my actions; no one controls, directs, or manipulates my voice. 

The truth behind my stance is simple, rooted in timing, strategy, and accountability.

The backstory begins the moment President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) budget. Almost immediately, in the very next month, delegates began demanding an instant bump in their monthly stipends.

As a primary advocate who fought relentlessly for that budget expansion, I surprisingly stepped in to block the immediate stipend hike. Realistically speaking, the timing was wrong.

A administrator had just secured a budget approval. He needed time to settle into his office, map out a strategic plan, and allocate funds appropriately to achieve the core objectives that justified the budget increase in the first place. 

Demanding an immediate payout before the ink was even dry made zero administrative sense. I opposed it then to give leadership room to execute.

Fast forward to today, ten months down the line. Courtesy of sustained advocacy, the administrator, Chief. Dennis Otuaro, has had ample time and funding. Today, he no longer has any valid excuse, basis, or justification to ignore the legitimate demands of the delegates.

It is time to state the facts clearly ; this budget does not belong to Dennis Otuaro. It was not allocated for high-handed allies like Tare Pondi an overfed youth who never held a legitimate job, yet now flaunts sudden wealth in Warri by buying luxury cars and bankrolling lavish lifestyles.

It was not meant for High Chief Government Ekpemupolo and Dennis  aka Tompolo and Dennis Otuaro to recklessly throw away on unproductive, weekly traditional Juju festivals that bring zero economic development or real progress to the lives of the Niger Delta people.

That money belongs strictly to the delegates, and it must be utilized for their welfare.

It is profoundly shameful, disheartening, and disappointing that Dennis Otuaro a man who claims activist credentials and rose to prominence on the shoulders of popular agitation has turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the cries of his own people. 

His cold indifference to the plight of those he represents is baffling. President Bola Tinubu has fulfilled his commitment by allocating the necessary resurces. Now, the management of the Amnesty Office must deliver. 

This advocacy will not relent, pause, or yield until the rightful beneficiaries receive every single naira they are owed.