“₦115bn PAP Budget, Yet Ex-Agitators Still Suffer — ‘Remove Otuaro Now,’ Coalition Tells Tinubu”

By Passman Akpos

A coalition of concerned Niger Delta ex-agitators has called for the immediate removal of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, alleging budget mismanagement, oppressive administration and neglect of beneficiaries’ welfare.

The group, represented by spokesperson Tare Deseimoh, expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the failure of the current PAP administration to improve the financial welfare of ex-agitators despite a significant increase in federal funding for the programme.

According to Deseimoh, the continued payment of the existing monthly stipend has become increasingly difficult for beneficiaries amid rising economic hardship, particularly when viewed against the reported increase in the programme’s annual budget.

He questioned why an increase in government funding had not translated into improved economic relief for the rank-and-file beneficiaries of the amnesty programme.

“Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nearly doubling the annual budget for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the financial relief has failed to trickle down to the ex-agitators,” Deseimoh alleged.

‘Otuaro Has Failed Ex-Agitators’

Deseimoh reportedly described Otuaro as one of the worst administrators the PAP has had since its establishment, accusing his administration of prioritising interests other than the welfare of the beneficiaries for whom the programme was established.

He alleged that funds meant to support the rehabilitation, reintegration and empowerment of ex-agitators were not being sufficiently reflected in the living conditions of beneficiaries.

The spokesperson also questioned the continued failure to review the monthly stipend in response to the prevailing economic realities.

According to him, beneficiaries are struggling with the rising cost of food, transportation, accommodation and other basic necessities, while the stipend remains unchanged.

Tompolo, Others Dragged Into Allegations

The coalition also levelled allegations against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and individuals within his circle, claiming that some influential figures have benefited disproportionately from the Niger Delta struggle while ordinary ex-agitators continue to face economic hardship.

Deseimoh alleged that powerful individuals connected to the region had accumulated benefits from the struggle while the rank-and-file beneficiaries remained economically vulnerable.

However, the allegations against Otuaro, Tompolo and others are claims by the coalition and were not independently established in the statement. The individuals accused should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

‘Tinubu Should Remove Otuaro’

The group further appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that the administration of the PAP under Otuaro was undermining the Federal Government’s objectives in the Niger Delta.

Deseimoh claimed that alleged financial mismanagement within the programme could threaten confidence in the amnesty initiative and weaken its capacity to deliver sustainable empowerment and peace in the oil-producing region.

He therefore urged President Tinubu to investigate the allegations and, if found credible, take decisive action against those responsible.

Call For Ex-Agitators To Unite

The spokesperson also called on ex-agitators across the Niger Delta to unite and demand greater transparency, accountability and improved welfare from the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

He argued that beneficiaries should not remain silent if they believe funds allocated for their rehabilitation and empowerment are not being properly utilised.

Deseimoh ultimately demanded the immediate removal of Otuaro and called for the appointment of a new administrator who, according to him, would restore confidence in the programme and place the welfare of beneficiaries at the centre of its operations.

The controversy comes amid continuing debates over the management, funding and effectiveness of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, with stakeholders increasingly demanding greater transparency over how public funds allocated to the initiative are being utilised.