The National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, and the national leadership have reacted to recent publications alleging that the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, has abandoned original delegates in favour of individuals supposedly not captured under the programme.
General Slaboh described the allegations as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation and credibility of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, stressing that such narratives are designed to sow discord among beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Amnesty Programme.
According to him, all individuals currently benefiting from the Presidential Amnesty Programme scholarships—both within Nigeria and in the diaspora—are legitimate beneficiaries of the programme, properly documented and approved.
“To set the records straight,” General Slaboh stated, “every person enjoying a scholarship today, whether at home or abroad, is a bona fide beneficiary of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the leadership of Dr. Dennis Otuaro.”
He further explained that the scholarship framework allows for continuity, noting that leaders and elders who have already attained higher academic qualifications may rightfully transfer scholarship opportunities to their children.
“As a leader, I cannot go back to pursue a BSc programme,” he explained. “If a scholarship is allocated to me, I have every right to hand it over to my son. Does that mean my son should reject it? Certainly not.”
General Slaboh questioned the motive behind the allegations, asking whether the children of beneficiaries should be denied educational opportunities simply because their parents have advanced in leadership or professional standing.
He therefore urged beneficiaries, stakeholders, and Niger Deltans to disregard divisive propaganda and instead work in unity with Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro and his management team to ensure the Amnesty Programme delivers maximum value, transparency, and sustainable development.
“The success of the Presidential Amnesty Programme depends on unity and truth,” General Slaboh emphasized. “This is the time to support the Administrator and his team to get the best out of the programme for the benefit of our people and future generations.”
