“Your False Allegations And Smear Campaign Against Dennis Otuaro Will Not Stand”__ Comrade Abraye Blasts Itsekiris, Describes Allegations As Politically Motivated To Discredit Otuaro’s Productive Leadership As PAP Administrator -

By Ebiowei Gabriel

The National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development and Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), Comrade Freeborn Abraye, has strongly rejected what he described as a coordinated campaign of misinformation and political propaganda aimed at discrediting the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.

According to Comrade Abraye, recent allegations by some Itsekiri voices claiming that Dr. Otuaro has sidelined the Itsekiri people in the administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme are baseless, misleading, politically motivated, and unsupported by the facts as NDAPDEJ understands them.

He stated that contrary to the narrative being promoted, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro has demonstrated a more inclusive approach than many previous administrators of the Programme, adding that available records, in NDAPDEJ’s view, show that more Itsekiri beneficiaries have been accommodated under his leadership than under several past administrations.

“The desperate attempt to portray Dr. Dennis Otuaro as anti-Itsekiri is a calculated political fabrication designed to undermine one of the most productive and inclusive administrations the Presidential Amnesty Programme has witnessed. Those spreading these allegations are attempting to manufacture a crisis where none exists,” Comrade Abraye declared.

The NDAPDEJ National Coordinator further maintained that the Presidential Amnesty Programme was established as a response to the Niger Delta armed conflict and argued that eligibility under the Programme should continue to be guided by its founding objectives and established criteria rather than ethnic pressure or political agitation.

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme was not created as an ethnic entitlement or a political patronage scheme. It was established to address the consequences of the Niger Delta conflict through a defined framework. Every claim to participation should be assessed within that framework and not through media campaigns or political intimidation,” he said.

Comrade Abraye also contended that, in NDAPDEJ’s assessment, whatever participation the Itsekiri people currently enjoy within the Programme reflects Dr. Otuaro’s commitment to inclusiveness, rather than evidence of exclusion.

“Those accusing Dr. Dennis Otuaro of marginalization should first acknowledge that his administration has continued to extend opportunities across communities. Instead of appreciating his inclusive disposition, some individuals have chosen the path of distortion and unnecessary political confrontation,” he added.

He warned against attempts to inflame ethnic sentiments for political advantage, stressing that such rhetoric could undermine peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta.

According to him, the Niger Delta requires responsible leadership, constructive engagement, and respect for institutions rather than campaigns built on accusations that, in NDAPDEJ’s opinion, lack credible foundation.

Comrade Abraye reaffirmed NDAPDEJ’s unwavering confidence in Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro’s leadership, describing him as a focused, reform-driven administrator whose commitment to education, empowerment, capacity building, and sustainable peace continues to strengthen the objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

He called on stakeholders across the Niger Delta to reject divisive narratives and support efforts that promote unity, stability, and equitable development.

“History will remember leaders who united the Niger Delta and expanded opportunities for its people, not those who sought political relevance through division, misinformation, and ethnic sensationalism. NDAPDEJ will continue to defend truth, fairness, and every genuine effort aimed at consolidating peace and development in our region,” Comrade Abraye concluded.

Signed:

Comrade Freeborn Abraye
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ).