Civil society groups and ex-agitators in the Niger Delta have dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement leveled against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
There were reports that Otuaro made fraudulent payments amounting to ₦512,782,475 million made to a single account of Maro-Kana Construction Co. Limited between July 10 and August 2, 2024.
The report stated that payments made covered consultancy services and stakeholders’ management meetings, raising concerns over transparency in PAP’s finances.
However, key stakeholders, including the Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum, Ex-Agitators Third Phase, and the Ndokwa Youth Association, have condemned the allegations made by Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum, NDLEF, calling it an attempt to discredit Otuaro’s leadership.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja , Chief Executive Officer of Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum, IYCF, High Chief Ebizimor Raphael, insisted that the claims were politically motivated and intended to derail the reforms introduced by Otuaro.
“These allegations, which seek to undermine the integrity and leadership of Dr. Otuaro, are nothing more than a desperate attempt by vested interests to derail the transformative agenda he has championed since assuming office. Dr. Otuaro has remained steadfast in his commitment to the development, peace, and stability of the Niger Delta region, and we will not allow unfounded accusations to taint his hard-earned reputation, he said.
We can unequivocally state that these allegations are fabricated, baseless, and devoid of merit. Our findings indicate that these claims are being propagated by individuals who previously benefited from the systemic abuse and mismanagement of the PAP and are now threatened by the reforms instituted by the current administration.
“Dr. Otuaro has brought stability and transparency to the Amnesty Programme, and now that the loopholes are closing, some people are trying to fight back.”
They also refuted claims that Otuaro mismanaged funds, insisting that every expenditure under his administration was duly accounted for.
They group also highlighted achievements under Otuaro’s leadership, particularly in education, vocational training, and conflict resolution. Over 1,500 students were deployed to local universities, while 10 were sent abroad for studies in the UK, US, and Canada.
Maritime and aviation programs were expanded, with aircraft maintenance engineers and cadet pilots receiving international training.
Out of 135 disputes within the ex-agitator camps, 100 were resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), preventing further unrest in the region.
He added “These reforms are visible and verifiable. The same people criticizing him are those who benefited from the old system of impunity.”
Addressing concerns over the payments to Maro-Kana Construction Co. Limited, the stakeholders explained that consultancy and stakeholder engagement are crucial components of the PAP.
“You cannot run the Amnesty Programme without engaging stakeholders,“The Niger Delta is complex, with multiple interest groups, ex-agitators, and traditional rulers. These engagements are necessary to maintain peace and stability.”
They added that all payments went through due process and were linked to legitimate activities, including strategic communication, meetings, and grassroots consultations.
A tertiary beneficiary of the PAP program, studying Public Administration at Baze university, Austin Jonah, commended the Otuaro for including Persons with Disabilities and women in the program.
Another beneficiary studying international relations and diplomacy, Seiga Clarkson, said, “My fees are being paid for. We receive our stipends. We don’t have any issues at all. We’re very comfortable. And this has been the best so far. “
