....As Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Allege Mismanagement in Amnesty Office, Demand Immediate Sack of Dennis Otuaro 

In a strongly worded statement, Mulade Israel, speaking on behalf of the Concerned Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, has leveled serious allegations against the current leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Office, accusing it of financial mismanagement and neglect of beneficiaries under the programme.

The group described the current Amnesty Administrator, Dennis Otuaro, in harsh terms, alleging that his stewardship of the office has been marked by carelessness in the handling of funds meant for the sustenance and development of ex-agitators across the Niger Delta region.

In their comparison of past administrations, the ex-agitators referenced the tenure of Col. (Rtd) Diokio, whom they credited with introducing early stipend payment strategies. According to the group, Diokio’s first major action was to ensure the saving of approximately three months’ worth of stipends to prevent delays and stabilize beneficiary payments.

They further cited the administration of Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), claiming he maintained and improved upon the system he inherited by ensuring early payment of stipends, following the financial structure previously established to avoid disruptions in beneficiaries’ monthly allowances.

However, the group alleged that under Dennis Otuaro, the system has deteriorated significantly, accusing him of failing to prioritize beneficiaries’ welfare. They claimed that despite increased funding to the Amnesty Office, stipend payments and programme implementation have not reflected the financial inflows.

The statement also alleged that the operations of the Amnesty Office have been influenced by external actors in Oporoza, naming individuals such as Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Mathew Tonlagha. These claims suggested that decision-making within the office has been compromised, although no evidence was provided to substantiate the allegations.

According to the ex-agitators, while approximately ₦5.4 billion Monthly budget was reportedly managed during earlier administrations with consistent stipend payments, they alleged that under the current leadership, about ₦9.5 billion flowing into the Amnesty purse monthly has not translated into timely payments or improved welfare for beneficiaries.

They also raised concerns over longstanding demands by delegates for an increase in monthly stipends from ₦65,000 to ₦250,000, particularly in light of what they claim is an increase in the programme’s annual budget from ₦65 billion to ₦115 billion. The group argued that these financial adjustments have not been matched by corresponding improvements in beneficiary support.

Furthermore, the statement alleged that vocational training programmes under the Amnesty framework have been completely halted, leaving thousands of delegates without access to skills acquisition opportunities that were central to the programme’s reintegration mandate.

The group concluded with a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene by removing and investigating the current Amnesty Administrator, Dennis Otuaro, insisting that urgent action is needed to restore confidence in the programme among the estimated 30,000 delegates.