Exclusive: Insider Claims Otuaro Has No Plans to Increase Ex-Agitators’ Stipends Despite ₦115bn PAP Budget
By Tarakirivoice
Fresh controversy has emerged over the long-awaited demand for an increase in the monthly stipends paid to beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), following claims by an alleged insider that the programme’s leadership has no intention of approving any upward review despite the reported increase in its budget.
Tarakirivoice gathered from a source who claimed to work within the PAP office, but requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, that PAP Administrator Chief Dennis Otuaro has allegedly decided against increasing beneficiaries’ stipends.
According to the source, the programme’s priority is said to be expanding educational opportunities, vocational training and other empowerment initiatives rather than raising the monthly payments.
“Dennis Otuaro will not increase the stipends. The plan is to use the money for scholarships, training and programmes that will benefit ex-agitators in the future,” the source allegedly told Tarakirivoice.
The source further claimed that beneficiaries should not expect any announcement on stipend increments, despite widespread expectations following reports that the PAP budget rose from ₦65 billion to ₦115 billion.
The alleged insider also claimed that Otuaro was not responsible for expectations that beneficiaries would receive an increase after a waiting period, though Tarakirivoice could not independently verify that assertion.
These claims, if confirmed, are likely to intensify frustration among many PAP beneficiaries who have repeatedly called for a review of their monthly stipends, arguing that inflation and the rising cost of living have significantly reduced the value of the payments.
Many beneficiaries have argued that the reported increase in the programme’s budget should translate into improved welfare, while others have maintained that investments in education and skills acquisition could provide longer-term benefits.
As of the time of filing this report, Tarakirivoice had not independently verified the anonymous source’s claims, and the PAP leadership had not publicly announced any decision rejecting or approving a stipend increase.
The newspaper has reached out to the Presidential Amnesty Programme for official clarification. Any response received will be published in the interest of fairness and balanced reporting.
The debate over whether available resources should prioritize immediate financial support or long-term empowerment is expected to remain a major issue among PAP beneficiaries in the coming weeks.
