Yenagoa – June 9, 2025
In a bold move to sanitize and reposition the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) for transparency and efficiency, the newly appointed administrator, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has launched a sweeping reform targeting deep-seated corruption and systemic rot within the agency. The process, though commendable, has triggered resistance and blackmail attempts by corrupt individuals desperate to cover their tracks, according to General Elaye Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Speaking to FrontNaija News, General Slaboh revealed that Dr. Otuaro’s internal audit and reformation efforts have uncovered disturbing anomalies. These include the awarding of contracts to fictitious and unverified firms, diversion of funds meant for delegates and beneficiaries, and the infiltration of the board by external actors who leveraged insider connections to loot public resources.
> “Many of these perpetrators were not even staff of the amnesty office. They operated like a cartel, using insiders to illegally access funds and manipulate records,” General Slaboh stated.
According to him, these criminal elements have now resorted to sponsoring blackmail campaigns and misinformation in a desperate bid to derail the ongoing reform process.
> “They know that if this process is allowed to reach its logical conclusion, some of them will end up in jail. That’s why they’re doing everything humanly possible to stop the reform,” he added.
General Slaboh emphasized that Dr. Otuaro is not an outsider to the Niger Delta region or its challenges.
> “Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro is one of us. He understands the plight of ex-agitators and is committed to the original vision of the Presidential Amnesty Programme — to empower, rehabilitate, and reintegrate our people.”
Other key stakeholders from various phases of the amnesty programme also lent their voices in support of the administrator’s ongoing efforts.
High Chief Ben Ebiowei, Leader of the First Phase Delegates, said:
> “This is the first time in years we are seeing a serious shake-up that is in the interest of genuine beneficiaries. Otuaro’s approach is people-centered and very proactive. Those fighting him are the enemies of the Niger Delta.”
Comrade Timi Ebikeme, a youth activist and community mobilizer from Delta State, noted:
> “The corruption in PAP before now was monumental. Dr. Otuaro deserves applause for even daring to confront it. The blackmailers should be investigated themselves. The amnesty programme should not return to the hands of looters.”
Madam Rose Pereowei, a women’s leader in Bayelsa and mother of two ex-agitators, added:
> “We mothers are fully behind Dr. Otuaro. Our children have suffered due to the stealing that went on in the past. Let him continue with the reform. Anyone who loves the Niger Delta will support him.”
Prince Tonbra Ikisa, a security consultant and stakeholder in the reintegration arm of PAP, emphasized:
> “Blackmail has always been a tactic of those who profit from disorder. But this time, they are dealing with a man of principle. Dr. Otuaro has brought innovation, structure, and transparency. We must protect and support this effort at all cost.”
General Slaboh urged all Niger Delta stakeholders to rally behind Dr. Otuaro and allow the reform process to take full effect.
> “If these detractors are not afraid of being exposed, they should allow the process to be completed. This is not the time to fight ourselves. This is the time to support the administrator in restoring the integrity of the amnesty programme and delivering on its mandate.”
He also called on federal authorities and security agencies to monitor and investigate those behind the blackmail campaign against the administrator.
> “We won’t fold our arms. We are watching closely and we will defend this process with everything in us,” he concluded.
