‘He Wanted Another Term Despite Zero Impact’ — From ₦65bn To ₦115bn, PAP Got Richer But Did Delegates Get Better? Daniel Demands Answers Over Alleged Millions-Dollar Lobbying

By Passman Akpos

Apostle Ezekiel Daniel has launched a scathing criticism of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dennis Otuaro, describing his administration as the worst in the history of the intervention programme.

Daniel, in a statement made available to the Tarakirivoice, also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not reappointing Otuaro following the expiration of his tenure, which he said ended about three months ago.

According to him, the failure to renew Otuaro’s appointment represents an opportunity for the Federal Government to rethink the leadership and direction of PAP.

Daniel further alleged that Otuaro embarked on an extensive lobbying campaign after the expiration of his tenure in an attempt to secure another term.

He claimed that millions of dollars were allegedly spent on lobbying efforts, including attempts to influence individuals close to the presidency.

However, these claims have not been independently verified.

‘₦65bn To ₦115bn, But Delegates Saw No Change’

One of Daniel’s major criticisms centres on the programme’s funding.

He recalled that Otuaro had initially complained about inadequate funding, prompting him to personally campaign for an increase in PAP’s allocation.

Daniel claimed that the programme’s funding eventually rose from ₦65 billion to ₦115 billion, describing the increase as a major financial boost that should have translated into tangible improvements for beneficiaries.

“Despite this massive financial boost, the conditions of the primary beneficiaries—the 30,000 registered delegates—saw zero improvement,” Daniel alleged.

He questioned why a significant increase in funding did not, in his assessment, produce corresponding improvements in delegates’ welfare, education, training, empowerment and other components of the programme.

Daniel consequently described the two-year period under Otuaro as a “monumental waste” of public resources.

Allegations Of Mismanagement

The Apostle also made serious allegations concerning how funds under the programme were allegedly utilised.

He accused the PAP leadership of diverting resources into what he described as an extravagant lifestyle and activities that offered little benefit to ordinary delegates.

Among his allegations were claims involving members of Oporoza House, alleged hotel-related spending and sponsorship of traditional festivals across riverine communities.

These allegations could not be independently established at the time of publication, and the individuals or groups mentioned were not given an opportunity to respond in the statement provided.

Daniel’s remarks therefore raise questions about transparency, accountability and the extent to which PAP’s expanded funding has translated into measurable outcomes for its beneficiaries.

‘Where Is The Value?’

Daniel also dismissed recent claims attributed to Edgar Biu that the PAP had spent ₦83.5 billion on delegates over a nine-month period, describing the figure as questionable.

He maintained that financial records should be subjected to independent scrutiny and challenged relevant authorities to examine how PAP funds have been disbursed.

According to him, accountability mechanisms, including investigations where credible evidence exists, should determine whether public funds were properly utilised.

He further predicted that anyone found to have mismanaged public resources could eventually face investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Tinubu Urged To Consult Niger Delta Stakeholders

Looking ahead, Daniel appealed to President Tinubu to consult widely before appointing another PAP Administrator.

He specifically urged the President to engage what he described as genuine stakeholders in the Niger Delta, particularly the leading former agitator commanders whose sacrifices, according to him, contributed to the establishment of the amnesty programme.

Daniel argued that the next administrator must prioritise the welfare of PAP delegates and restore confidence in an initiative originally established to promote peace, rehabilitation, training and economic reintegration in the Niger Delta.

The controversy comes amid continuing debates over PAP funding, delegate welfare, unpaid allowances, educational commitments, training programmes and the broader question of whether the intervention has delivered sufficient value to its original beneficiaries.

As calls for greater transparency grow, attention is now likely to shift toward the Federal Government’s next choice of administrator and whether the incoming leadership will introduce stronger accountability measures and restore confidence among PAP delegates.

Tarakirivoice reports that the allegations contained in this report are attributed to Apostle Ezekiel Daniel and should not be treated as independently established facts unless supported by official records or further evidence.