By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Concerned Niger Delta Civil Society Groups, in conjunction with the Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum, Ex Agitators Third Phase, and Ndukwa Youth Association, have come out strongly to refute allegations of N50 billion scandal against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
Chairman of the coalition who doubles as the CEO Ijaw Youth Consultative Forum, IYCF, High Chief Ebizimor Preye Raphael at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja described the allegations as baseless and malicious, aimed at tarnishing Dr. Otuaro’s reputation.
Raphael argued that the claims are unsubstantiated and lack concrete evidence, stating that they are part of a larger smear campaign.
The controversy began when a group called the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum (NDLEF) accused Dr. Otuaro of misappropriating N50 billion.
They alleged that he awarded contracts to companies owned by his associates and used laundered funds to instigate violence in Niger Delta communities.
He emphasized that Dr. Otuaro has been working tirelessly to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
“We are gathered here today to correct the misinformation and outright falsehoods being circulated in the public domain. 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.”
“Following an independent investigation by the Ijaw Youths Consultative Forum (IYCF) into the claims of financial mismanagement attributed to Dr. Otuaro, 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”.
He informed that since assuming office in 2024, Dr. Otuaro has introduced and executed far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the PAP for effective service delivery. On a broader scale, which includes expansion of the PAP Scholarship Scheme, Introduction of new vocational training programmes, enhanced Monitoring and evaluation Mechanisms, saying PAP administrator has also made significant strides in education by deploying 1,554 onshore students to both partnering and non-partnering institutions and 10 offshore students to universities in the UK, US, and Canada among other achievements.
The groups called on the public to disregard the allegations and instead focus on supporting Dr. Otuaro’s efforts to bring prosperity to the region. They also urged the authorities to investigate the sources of the allegations and bring those responsible to justice.
According to the groups, “D. Otuaro’s leadership and initiatives have garnered broad support from various stakeholders in the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta Energy Security Forum (NDESF) has notably highlighted the positive impact of his administration, linking the recent increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production to the renewed stability fostered by the PAP. The peace and security promoted under his leadership have not only benefited the ex-agitators but have also contributed significantly to national economic growth”.
The groups therefore, called on the general public, stakeholders, and media organizations to reject these spurious allegations and rally behind the ongoing transformation of the PAP under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.
