The National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, General Elaye Dollar Slaboh, alongside his national executive, has strongly refuted recent criticisms against the current Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, describing them as misleading, self-centered, and not representative of the views of genuine beneficiaries.
This comes in response to a recent statement by ex-agitator Mark Birth Peremobowei, who labeled Otuaro’s leadership as the “worst in the programme’s history”—a claim General Slaboh and his executive describe as not only false but also driven by selfish interest.
According to General Slaboh, Dr. Otuaro has made commendable strides in reforming the PAP, particularly by reaching out to individuals who were trained under previous administrations but left unempowered. “Under Otuaro’s leadership, those neglected have now been contacted for retraining and proper empowerment,” he said.
He stressed that these reforms are aimed at correcting long-standing issues in the programme and ensuring that the benefits reach all deserving ex-agitators, not just a privileged few. “What is happening now is a pushback by individuals who have always seen the programme as their personal inheritance. Their criticisms are rooted in selfishness and personal loss of influence, not the interest of the Niger Delta,” Slaboh stated.
The Third Phase National Executive emphasized that the monthly N65,000 stipends remain consistent, but beyond stipends, Otuaro has focused on rebuilding the structural integrity of the programme, emphasizing long-term empowerment over short-term handouts.
Slaboh also condemned the spread of misinformation by what he called “praise-singers and political opportunists” who are attempting to weaponize the media against a leadership that is committed to genuine reform.
He further warned ex-agitators and the general public not to be deceived by individuals who are only speaking for themselves, not the collective. “This programme is bigger than any one person. We will not allow it to be hijacked by self-seeking elements who feel threatened by transparency and reform,” he added.
The Third Phase leadership reaffirmed its full support for Dr. Otuaro and called on all stakeholders to focus on peace, unity, and progress rather than sowing discord for personal gain.
