“‘Ex-Agitators Are Still Suffering’ — Activist Raises Alarm Over Alleged ₦96 Billion PAP Spending”

By Passman Akpos

A Niger Delta activist, Apostle Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, has accused the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) of failing to ensure that increased government funding for ex-agitators translates into improved welfare, alleging that more than ₦96 billion allocated to the programme has not benefited those it was intended to serve.

In a statement made public, Ezekiel levelled allegations against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Otuaro, claiming that despite a significant increase in government funding, many beneficiaries continue to struggle with unpaid stipends and inadequate welfare support.

According to the activist, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an increase in the monthly allocation to the Amnesty Office from ₦65 billion to ₦115 billion about ten months ago to strengthen monthly stipends, vocational training, educational support and other welfare packages for former agitators who embraced the Federal Government’s amnesty initiative.

Basing his argument on those figures, Ezekiel alleged that approximately ₦96 billion had been released over the period, questioning how the funds had been utilised.

“The beneficiaries who made Mr. President do the needful are not feeling the impact. ₦96 billion has been given for the welfare of these boys, not to fund worthless, endless juju festivals or the Hollywood lifestyle of Oporoza house members,” he alleged.

The activist called for greater transparency and accountability in the administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, insisting that former agitators should be the primary beneficiaries of any increase in government funding.

Ezekiel also made further allegations involving several prominent figures in the Niger Delta, claiming responsibility for what he described as the cancellation of an American visa belonging to Kestin Pondi, while warning that others he accused of oppressing people in the region could face similar consequences.

He further criticised Ekomieyefa Uduboh, popularly known as KFT, alleging that he oversees internal enforcement activities linked to Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo).

According to Ezekiel, several individuals who were once allegedly aligned with security agencies during operations against Tompolo under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari have now become influential figures within the Niger Delta’s security and business environment.

Reflecting on nearly three decades of activism, Ezekiel maintained that his campaigns are motivated by what he described as a divine commitment to justice rather than personal interests or political influence.

Drawing a comparison with the biblical story of Pharaoh, the activist vowed to continue mounting pressure on the leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme until, according to him, the increased government allocation reaches the intended beneficiaries.

“There is an adage that says a baby who says his mother will not sleep will not sleep either. Dennis Otuaro will not have peace until he does the needful,” he stated.

Previous Allegations Over Unpaid Stipends

The latest allegations come weeks after Tarakirivoice reported complaints by beneficiaries under the General Asupa Suoyo Oupele Camp in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, who alleged that 19 members had gone 20 months without receiving their monthly stipends.

According to a petition dated 9 July 2026, the camp leadership claimed that repeated letters and engagements with the Presidential Amnesty Programme failed to resolve the issue, with one beneficiary allegedly dying during the prolonged period of non-payment.

One of the affected beneficiaries, Indukeakpo Jacob, told Tarakirivoice that despite submitting bank statements, identification details and several petitions, the outstanding payments had yet to be made.

The camp appealed to the Presidential Amnesty Programme to urgently verify the claims and clear the alleged arrears to alleviate the hardship facing affected beneficiaries.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidential Amnesty Programme had not publicly responded to either Apostle Daniel Ezekiel’s allegations or the separate claims by the Bayelsa beneficiaries.

Editor’s Note: The allegations contained in this report are claims made by Apostle Comrade Daniel Ezekiel and the affected beneficiaries. They have not been independently verified by Tarakirivoice. The individuals and organisations mentioned have the right to respond, and this report will be updated if official responses are received.