In a startling turn of events, ex-agitators from the Niger Delta region are up in arms against Dennis Otuaro, the current administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The controversy stems from Otuaro's refusal to increase monthly stipends for ex-agitators, despite a significant boost in the programme's budget by President Bola Tinubu.

Tekena Daddy, spokesperson for the Rivers State branch of concerned ex-agitators, didn't mince words in his criticism of Otuaro. He accused the administrator of being an "enemy of ex-agitators" and questioned Otuaro's claims of involvement in the Niger Delta struggle.

The heart of the issue lies in the disparity between the programme's increased budget and the stagnant stipends. President Tinubu has nearly doubled the Amnesty Programme's budget from 65 billion Naira to 115 billion Naira. However, the monthly stipend of 65,000 Naira, set 15 years ago, remains unchanged. Ex-agitators argue that this amount is now insufficient due to economic changes over the years.

Accusations of mismanagement and corruption have also surfaced. Daddy alleged that Otuaro has been diverting funds to politicians and fake companies, prompting some groups to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). There are also claims that Otuaro has been suppressing criticism by arresting those who speak out against his administration.

The ex-agitators are calling for President Tinubu to intervene and direct Otuaro to increase the monthly stipends to 130,000 Naira, in line with the budget increase. They warn that failure to address this issue could result in a loss of support for Tinubu in future elections.

This situation has cast a shadow over the Amnesty Programme, with some ex-agitators labeling Otuaro as the worst administrator in the programme's history. They argue that his actions are not only detrimental to their welfare but also undermine the President's efforts to improve conditions in the Niger Delta region.

As tensions continue to rise, they expect President Tinubu to take action to address the allegations and the growing discontent among ex-agitators in the volatile Niger Delta region.