Concerned youths from the Niger Delta have raised alarming allegations of corruption and mismanagement against Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), urging President Bola Tinubu to remove him immediately. Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, Tare Diseimo, spokesperson for the aggrieved coalition, accused Otuaro of sidelining genuine ex-agitators in favor of personal allies, community cronies, and even girlfriends.  

“Dennis Otuaro has turned the Amnesty Office into a family business,” Diseimo declared. “The real ex-agitators who fought for Niger Delta’s emancipation are being ignored. Those around him are not freedom fighters—they are opportunists and sycophants.”  

The group singled out individuals like Ebena Refus Salvation and Aroni Oputu, dismissing their roles in the struggle. “Salvation is a roadside puppet, and a youth leader in his family not an ex-agitator. As for Aroni Oputu, his reputation is tied to bank robberies, he can rob more than 3 banks a day before branding himself as an ex agitators after Amnesty Programme, Only God knows if he’s truly repentant,” Diseimo stated.  

The coalition further alleged that Otuaro and his allies, including ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), exploited the Amnesty Programme for personal gain. “Tompolo was a fugitive who later hijacked the program. Now, they’re mismanaging it because they never understood the struggle’s value,” Diseimo claimed.  

Financial discrepancies were also highlighted. While petitioners who exposed alleged mismanagement were reportedly paid ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 to stay silent, Diseimo accused Otuaro of diverting funds meant for ex-agitators to cronies. “His girlfriends and community members received ₦2 million each for a leadership program in Abuja, despite a budget of over ₦5 million per participant. Where is the rest?” he questioned.  

The youths warned that Otuaro’s actions risked turning ex-agitators against President Tinubu’s government. “He’s empowering divorcees, girlfriends, and cronies instead of those who sacrificed for the region. The President must act now—replace Otuaro with a competent leader before this crisis explodes,” Diseimo urged.