By Rhoda Godwin
The Concerned Niger Delta Youths held a press briefing today in Warri to vehemently defend Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), against recent allegations of corruption, unfair treatment, and threats of violence.
The group condemned what they described as a smear campaign orchestrated by a faction known as “The Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum,” led by Owoupele Eneoriekumoh Owous.
Addressing members of the press, civil society organizations, and stakeholders, General Emmanuel Satu, Convener of the Concerned Niger Delta Youths, emphasized that since Dr. Otuaro’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Amnesty Office has seen unprecedented transparency, accountability, and efficient management. He highlighted that beneficiaries now receive their stipends regularly, and the core objectives of the programme are being met effectively.
General Satu dismissed the allegations made by the Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum as baseless and malicious. The group had accused Dr. Otuaro of endemic corruption, unfair treatment of ex-agitators, and even threats to kill protesters at Mbiama Junction in Bayelsa State.
The Concerned Niger Delta Youths refuted these claims, stressing Dr. Otuaro’s commitment to peace and lawful conduct, and noted his extensive engagement with community leaders and stakeholders across the region.
The press briefing also revealed that the controversial group is allegedly sponsored by Ben Ebikabowei Victor, popularly known as BoyLoaf, a former militant leader with a history of exploiting the Amnesty Programme for personal gain. The Concerned Niger Delta Youths warned that BoyLoaf’s actions threaten the fragile peace in the Niger Delta and called on security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector General of Police, and the National Security Adviser, to investigate and take appropriate action.
Furthermore, the group applauded Dr. Otuaro’s initiative to expand the Amnesty Programme to include Niger Delta women, recognizing their significant suffering during the militancy era and the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration activities.
General Satu concluded by urging the federal government and international partners to continue supporting Dr. Otuaro and the Amnesty Programme, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He pledged that the Concerned Niger Delta Youths would mobilize to counter any attempts to undermine the programme or its leadership, including staging a massive protest if necessary.
“We want the federal government and the international community, Niger Deltans including beneficiaries to know that Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro has implemented policies that have revamped and repositioned the Amnesty Office for optimal performance.
“And so allegations of his plan to syphon the increased budgetary allocation for the Amnesty Office should be totally disregarded. Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro has been prudent with Amnesty funds, he has been transparent and accountable and the core objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme are being achieved and beneficiaries are happy with him.
“We once again appeal to the federal government, and especially the international community including the US and UK to disregard the claims against Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro.
“We urge them to call Ben Ebikabowei Victor (BoyLoaf) to order before he jeopardizes the peace and stability in the Niger Delta region because of his greed,” he noted.
