N115bn Amnesty Budget, Yet No May Stipends: Anger Boils Across Niger Delta as Fresh Protest Looms

By Paul Ebi

Fresh tension is brewing within the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) as some delegates and beneficiaries have accused the programme’s leadership of allegedly attempting to suppress planned peaceful protests over delayed stipend payments and worsening welfare conditions.

The development comes amid growing frustration among beneficiaries who claim they are yet to receive their May 2026 stipends as of June 15, despite the Federal Government’s decision to increase the Presidential Amnesty Programme budget to approximately N115 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

According to some Amnesty delegates, an earlier peaceful protest scheduled for Democracy Day, June 12, 2026, at Mbiama Junction in Rivers State was intended to draw national attention to a number of unresolved concerns affecting beneficiaries.

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Among the demands listed by the protesters were prompt payment of monthly stipends, an upward review of the N65,000 monthly allowance, reinstatement of delisted delegates, improved training and empowerment opportunities, and enhanced welfare packages for beneficiaries.

Some delegates alleged that the PAP Administrator, Dennis Otuaro, mobilized certain influential ex-agitator leaders, including General Elaye Slaboh, General Salvation Ibena, and General Aroni Oputu, to discourage or prevent the planned demonstration.

However, the individuals mentioned have not publicly responded to the allegations, and Tarakirivoice could not independently verify the claims at the time of filing this report.

New Protest Scheduled for June 22

Meanwhile, a video obtained by Tarakirivoice appears to show an unidentified Amnesty delegate announcing plans for another protest scheduled for June 22, 2026, at Mbiama Junction.

In the recording, the speaker claimed that organizers had made extensive preparations, including transportation, accommodation, feeding arrangements, and security logistics for about 318 participants expected from various Niger Delta and South-South states.

The speaker further disclosed that participants would be identified through designated uniforms as part of measures aimed at preventing infiltration by individuals who might attempt to disrupt the protest.

According to the speaker, the protest would remain peaceful and focused strictly on welfare-related demands, including:

– Immediate payment of outstanding stipends;- Increment of the N65,000 monthly stipend;

– Reinstatement of delisted delegates;

– Expansion of training and empowerment programmes;

– Improved welfare and support services for beneficiaries.

The speaker also urged participants to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies throughout the exercise.

Growing Frustration Among Beneficiaries

The latest development has generated widespread reactions across social media platforms and within Amnesty beneficiary communities.

Many beneficiaries argue that the N65,000 monthly stipend has remained unchanged for nearly 17 years despite rising inflation, increasing living costs, and the significant increase in the programme’s annual budget.

Several beneficiaries who spoke with Tarakirivoice appealed to the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and PAP management to urgently review the stipend structure to reflect current economic realities.

One beneficiary stated:

«”The Federal Government increased the Amnesty budget from about N65 billion to N115 billion, yet beneficiaries are still receiving N65,000 monthly. What we need is prompt payment and a realistic review of the stipend.”»

Others criticized what they described as efforts to discourage peaceful demonstrations instead of addressing the welfare concerns being raised by beneficiaries.

Questions Over N115 Billion Allocation

The controversy has intensified public scrutiny over the implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s expanded 2026 budget.

Many stakeholders had expected the increased allocation to result in faster stipend payments, improved scholarship administration, expanded vocational training opportunities, and stronger reintegration programmes across the Niger Delta.

However, continued complaints regarding delayed payments, scholarship concerns, and welfare challenges have raised fresh questions among beneficiaries about the impact of the increased funding on their lives.

Calls for Dialogue

Observers have urged all parties involved to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement to prevent unnecessary tensions in the region.

They maintain that the Presidential Amnesty Programme remains one of the Federal Government’s most significant peace-building initiatives in the Niger Delta and that addressing legitimate welfare concerns promptly would help sustain peace and stability.

As beneficiaries continue to await payment of their May 2026 stipends, attention is now focused on whether PAP management and relevant government authorities will respond to growing calls for prompt payment, improved welfare packages, greater transparency, and meaningful reforms within the programme.

For many beneficiaries, one question continues to dominate discussions across the Niger Delta:

With the Amnesty budget now standing at approximately N115 billion, why are many beneficiaries still waiting for their May 2026 stipends?