Two ex-militant groups in the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators and the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Peace Movement Forum, have dismissed allegations of misappropriation of funds against the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, describing them as politically motivated and baseless.
The allegations, which appeared in an online publication on February 8, 2025, claimed that ex-militants had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged mismanagement of funds meant for the amnesty programme.
However, in a joint statement issued in Yenagoa, Comrade Aso Tambou, National Leader of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, and Comrade John Esuku, National President of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Peace Movement Forum, dismissed the accusations, saying the publication was orchestrated by a faceless group.
Allegations Described as False and Politically Motivated
The groups alleged that the use of Esuku’s picture in the publication was a deliberate attempt to discredit him and cause disaffection between him and Dr. Otuaro.
“These allegations are not only false but appear to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish Otuaro’s image and undermine the progress made so far by the amnesty initiative,” the statement read.
They further argued that no evidence supports the claims that funds allocated to the PAP have been misused, adding that accusations of contract awards to moribund companies lack factual backing.
“The accusations appear to be politically motivated, orchestrated by individuals who seek to derail the ongoing development efforts in the Niger Delta,” the statement added.
Otuaro’s Leadership Defended
The groups praised Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, insisting that the amnesty programme under his supervision has remained transparent and committed to its mandate of rehabilitating and reintegrating ex-agitators.
“The attempt to discredit his leadership comes at a time when significant strides have been made in empowering former militants and promoting peace in the region,” they said.
The ex-militant groups emphasized that if there were any genuine concerns about the programme, the proper channels should have been followed rather than resorting to media trials and threats of protests.
“Chief Dennis Otuaro remains focused on his responsibilities and will not be distracted by unfounded accusations. Any calls for investigation should be based on verifiable facts rather than mere speculation and politically driven agendas,” the statement concluded.
