Youth leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have fiercely criticized recent calls from ex-Niger Delta militants for the removal of Dr. Dennis Otuaru, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). They described these actions as a baseless attempt to tarnish Otuaru’s reputation and undermine his leadership.
The backlash comes in response to allegations made by the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG), led by ex-militant Egbikaboe Ben, who accused Otuaru of leaking classified documents from the PAP office. However, PANDEF youth leaders have dismissed the claims, stating that the information in question was already publicly accessible and that the accusations were nothing more than a smear campaign.
In a joint statement signed by key PANDEF youth representatives from the nine Niger Delta states, the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Dr. Otuaru and condemned the baseless blackmail efforts aimed at discrediting him.
The statement, signed by Chief Gen Donben Donyegha (Edo), Chief And Esin (Cross River), Amb. Philip George (Rivers), Victor Phillip (Akwa Ibom), Sambo Ama (Bayelsa), and others, called for an end to the unfounded attacks on the PAP administrator.
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“We, the youths of PANDEF, express our strong displeasure over the unwarranted blackmail of Dr. Dennis Otuaru, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. These allegations are driven by bias and animosity, aimed at destabilizing the program,” the statement read.
The PANDEF youth leaders emphasized that Otuaru’s appointment is well-suited to the role and has brought much-needed stability to the Amnesty Programme, which is essential for peace and development in the Niger Delta.
In addition to defending Otuaru, the youth leaders urged President Bola Tinubu to increase the budget for the Presidential Amnesty Programme to better support the reintegration of ex-militants. They argued that with the rising cost of living, a budget increase is crucial for ensuring that beneficiaries are properly reintegrated into society and that the program can continue to function effectively.
