“‘Who Sponsored the Disruption?’ — Spotlight Falls on Dennis Brutus Otuaro Amid National Assembly Protest Clash”
By Passman Akpos
ABUJA — A coalition of ethnic nationalities from the Niger Delta staged a peaceful protest at Nigeria’s National Assembly, calling attention to growing tensions over the controversial pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo.
The protest, led by youth leaders including Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus, was aimed at addressing what organizers described as a “cold war” brewing in the region over the allocation and structure of the surveillance contract. Demonstrators emphasized their commitment to non-violence, insisting their actions were rooted in democratic rights.
“As Nigerians, we have the constitutional right to peaceful protest,” Theophilus stated. “We chose dialogue over violence to express our concerns and seek lasting peace in the Niger Delta.”
According to protest leaders, the demonstration was formally communicated to National Assembly authorities ahead of time, ensuring cooperation from security personnel and legislative officials. Protesters were granted access to submit a petition and engage with relevant stakeholders without disruption.
However, the situation became more complex when a separate group—comprising some northern youths and a faction of Niger Delta youths—arrived to stage a counter-protest outside the premises. While both groups maintained peaceful conduct, only the initial protesters were granted entry due to prior notification.
Tensions reportedly escalated after the main protest had concluded. Organizers alleged that individuals identified as security operatives, including personnel linked to the Department of State Services (DSS), police officers, and individuals described as affiliated with the Presidential Amnesty Programme, arrived at the scene.
The protesters claimed these operatives attempted to forcibly disperse participants and allegedly abduct some individuals, actions which were resisted by National Assembly security officials present at the time.
One of the most serious allegations involves the reported abduction of a youth leader, identified as the president of the Eleja Youth Federation and said to be a relative of activist Omoyele Sowore. According to protest organizers, he was taken to an Amnesty office reportedly overseen by Dennis Brutus Otuaro, where he was allegedly assaulted and warned against participating in protests advocating decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts.
The victim was later released and is currently receiving medical treatment, with sources confirming he is responding positively.
Protest leaders also raised concerns over the management of funds allocated to the Presidential Amnesty Programme. They noted that despite an increase in the programme’s budget—from ₦65 billion to ₦115 billion—stipends for beneficiaries have reportedly not been adjusted to reflect rising living costs.
“We agitated for this increase to improve the welfare of beneficiaries,” Theophilus said. “But till now, there has been no corresponding improvement in stipends. Nigerians deserve transparency on how these funds are being utilized.”
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Amnesty Office, DSS, or police authorities regarding the allegations.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the Niger Delta, where issues of resource control, security contracts, and youth welfare continue to fuel debate and agitation.
