“Tinubu’s Niger Delta Support at Risk? Itsekiri Forum Demands Sack of Dennis Otuaro Over Bias Allegations”
By Paul Ebi
WARRI, NIGERIA — A fresh wave of tension is brewing in the Niger Delta as the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality Ex-Agitators Forum has called for the immediate removal of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dennis Otuaro, over allegations of ethnic bias and marginalization.
In a strongly worded statement issued on April 2, 2026, the group accused the PAP leadership of abandoning its core mandate of equity, empowerment, and reintegration, alleging that the programme has been skewed against Itsekiri beneficiaries under Otuaro’s administration.
The Forum, representing third-phase beneficiaries of the scheme, declared a “total loss of confidence” in the PAP leadership, claiming that qualified Itsekiri ex-agitators with valid United Nations (UN) codes have been systematically excluded from deployment opportunities between 2024 and 2026.
According to the statement, the grievances extend beyond deployment concerns to what the group described as “educational marginalization.” Itsekiri youths, despite belonging to a major oil-producing ethnic nationality, were allegedly denied scholarship opportunities since Otuaro assumed office.
The group further accused the PAP office of administrative neglect, alleging that multiple formal communications sent to the Administrator’s office were ignored, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the programme.
In a more serious allegation, the Forum claimed the Amnesty Programme is being politicized to serve personal interests, rather than fulfilling the peacebuilding agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Raising the stakes, the ex-agitators warned that continued marginalization could destabilize the fragile peace in the Niger Delta, particularly in Itsekiri areas that host critical oil infrastructure.
“The peace of the Niger Delta is anchored on justice and equity,” the statement read, adding that the group may no longer be able to guarantee the safety of oil facilities in their territories if their demands are ignored.
Among their key demands are the immediate removal of Otuaro, urgent deployment of all qualified Itsekiri ex-agitators, fair representation within the PAP administrative structure, and the allocation of scholarships to deserving Itsekiri youths.
The Forum urged President Tinubu to act swiftly, warning that failure to intervene could trigger a breakdown of peace in the region.
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Dennis Mene, Comrade Tosan Eugene, Comrade Bibi Gbemi, and Comrade Henry Omajugho, who serve in various leadership capacities within the Forum.
As of the time of filing this report, the PAP office has not issued an official response to the allegations.
