‘Pure Evil!’ — Ezekiel Daniel Accuses Dennis Otuaro of Abandoning Ex-Agitators Despite ₦115bn Budget
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA — Comrade Ezekiel Daniel has called on the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Otuaro, to immediately increase the monthly stipend of ex-agitators from ₦65,000 to at least ₦200,000, arguing that the current payment is no longer sustainable in the face of Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
Daniel, in a strongly worded statement, maintained that continuing to pay ex-agitators ₦65,000 monthly amid soaring inflation amounts to “pure evil,” insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already demonstrated commitment to the programme by approving a significant increase in its budget.
According to him, the Federal Government’s allocation to the Presidential Amnesty Programme rose from ₦65 billion to ₦115 billion following an advocacy campaign he spearheaded, yet beneficiaries have not seen any improvement in their monthly stipends nearly ten months later.
Daniel recalled that he had been one of the earliest advocates of the Presidential Amnesty Programme when it was introduced by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2009, saying he publicly encouraged Niger Delta militants to embrace the peace initiative despite widespread skepticism at the time.
He also stated that he was among the strongest defenders of Dennis Otuaro when the latter was appointed Administrator of the programme, adding that he resisted political attacks against Otuaro until the administration gained stability.
Daniel further claimed that after assuming office, Otuaro complained that the programme’s budget was insufficient to meet its objectives. In response, he said he launched an advocacy campaign directed at President Tinubu, including recording a video in fluent Yoruba appealing for increased funding due to the economic hardship faced by ex-agitators.
According to Daniel, the video attracted the attention of the President’s Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who reportedly presented it to President Tinubu, leading to the subsequent increase in the Amnesty Programme’s budget.
Despite the increased allocation, Daniel expressed disappointment that the monthly stipends of delegates have remained unchanged.
He dismissed claims that only the President has the authority to approve a stipend increase, arguing that the PAP Administrator should formally forward a proposal through the Office of the National Security Adviser to seek presidential approval if necessary.
“The claim that nothing can be done unless the President acts is not convincing. If approval is needed, Dennis Otuaro should initiate the process instead of making excuses,” Daniel said.
He also condemned alleged threats to arrest or detain individuals demanding higher stipends, describing such actions as “absurd, tyrannical and wicked.”
In addition, Daniel accused unnamed officials within the Amnesty office of benefiting from the programme while delegates continue to struggle with economic hardship.
He concluded by urging Otuaro to prioritize the welfare of ex-agitators, stressing that the increased budget was intended to improve their living conditions rather than serve other interests.
“It is pure evil to continue paying these boys ₦65,000 in today’s Nigeria. President Tinubu has done his part; now Dennis must do his,” Daniel asserted.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme has not publicly responded to Daniel’s latest allegations and demands at the time of filing this report.
