{"id":3547,"date":"2025-03-02T20:19:06","date_gmt":"2025-03-02T20:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/03\/02\/oporoza-house-writes-president-tinubu-over-media-attacks-on-otuaro-says-attacks-are-unfounded-malicious-as-they-lauds-otuaro-for-positive-reform-of-pap\/"},"modified":"2025-03-02T20:19:06","modified_gmt":"2025-03-02T20:19:06","slug":"oporoza-house-writes-president-tinubu-over-media-attacks-on-otuaro-says-attacks-are-unfounded-malicious-as-they-lauds-otuaro-for-positive-reform-of-pap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/03\/02\/oporoza-house-writes-president-tinubu-over-media-attacks-on-otuaro-says-attacks-are-unfounded-malicious-as-they-lauds-otuaro-for-positive-reform-of-pap\/","title":{"rendered":"Oporoza House Writes President Tinubu Over Media Attacks On Otuaro, Says Attacks Are Unfounded, Malicious, As They Lauds Otuaro For Positive Reform Of PAP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Freeborn Abraye <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oporoza House, a coalition of distinguished elders, leaders, and stakeholders from the Niger Delta, has formally written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to disregard unfounded media attacks against Dr. Brutu Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a letter signed by prominent figures, including Mr. Kime Engozu, Elder Kennedy Orubebe, and Felix Tuodolo, the group expressed their concern over a series of baseless allegations aimed at discrediting Dr. Otuaro and the progress of the PAP. They described these allegations as a “calculated attempt” to derail the achievements made by the program, which has been instrumental in promoting peace and development in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others who signed the letter included Hendricks Opukeme, Ari Sylvester Ari, Welman Warri, Cooler Hart, Ibiba Don Pedro, Felix Tuodolo, Elfrida Olungwe, Emmanuel Bristol Alagbarigha, Tonbra Kasikoro, Chief Ben Donyegha, Chief David Reje Imole, Rosebella Jackson, Dr Lolo Fubara Sax Hailsham, comrade Anaye-Kio Akintunde, Alaowei Dr Oyeinfie E. Jonjon, Chief Tina Tobusi, Chief Dan Ekpebide, Madam Primrose Oringeriya-Kpokposei, Arc. Sylvester Adowei and Comrade Morris Alagoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The letter contends that the claims of financial misappropriation against Dr. Otuaro are completely unfounded. The signatories insisted that all payments made under his administration were legitimate, adhering to federal accounting standards, and intended to bolster stakeholder engagement and regional stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The letter also copied the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Director General NFIU and the Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, ICPC, adding that Niger Delta people are satisfied with the reforms of the administrator of the presidential amnesty programme, PAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It is evident that these malicious allegations stem from ex-agitators who failed to secure appointments as Administrator of the PAP and are now seeking revenge,” the letter stated. “Their actions represent a campaign of calumny aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Dr. Otuaro and the program.”, they added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Under Dr. Otuaro\u2019s leadership, Oporoza House praises the significant reforms introduced to promote transparency and accountability within the PAP. They noted that the reduction of fraudulent activities and illicit patronage has been a major achievement of his administration, allowing for more effective utilization of funds intended for the reintegration of ex-agitators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Since taking office, Dr. Otuaro has implemented innovative strategies, including vocational training and economic empowerment initiatives, which have led to an increase in the number of beneficiaries participating in educational programs. Oporoza House encourages the public and all stakeholders to focus on these positive contributions rather than be swayed by detractors”, the Oporoza house added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group concluded their letter by reiterating their commitment to the goals of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and called for unity among Nigerians in support of the efforts to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region. They urged the President to remain steadfast against efforts aimed at undermining the progress attained under Dr. Otuaro\u2019s administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the full letter,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2nd March 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)
President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Aso Rock Presidential Villa
Abuja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CAMPAIGN OF COLUMNY AGAINST THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are an assemblage of revered elders, leaders, and veterans of the Niger Delta self-determination agitation and esteemed stakeholders in the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Our collective experience and wisdom, forged through years of advocacy and struggle, have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the Niger Delta region.
We proudly recall our pivotal role in constituting the mobile resource team that championed the roadmap to resolving the Niger Delta hostilities. Our tireless efforts set the stage for the proclamation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, a watershed moment that marked a new era of peace and development in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As stakeholders, we have remained committed to the ideals of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, working tirelessly behind the scene to ensure its success and sustainability. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the programme on the lives of former agitators and the region as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the light of the recent malicious allegations against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, we feel compelled to set the records straight. As stakeholders, we can attest to the programme’s transparency, accountability, and commitment to its stated objectives. We urge you and the public to disregard these baseless allegations and instead focus on the programme’s numerous achievements and contributions to peace and development in the Niger Delta region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We write to express our utmost disappointment and outrage at the recent spurious allegations made by the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum. These baseless accusations are nothing short of a calculated attempt to discredit and undermine the recent progress made by the Presidential Amnesty Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Facts: A Programme of Reintegration and Development<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Presidential Amnesty Programme is a complex initiative aimed at reintegrating former agitators into society and promoting sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. Since its inception, the programme has made significant strides in providing education, vocational training, and economic empowerment to its beneficiaries. Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing the programme and ensuring its effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing the Allegations: Transparency and Accountability<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We can state categorically that the allegations of misappropriation and financial impropriety made against Dr. Otuaro are unfounded. The payments made to stakeholders were legitimate and in accordance with standard accounting principles and practices of the Federal Government, which you can verify. These payments were part of the Administrator’s efforts to engage with stakeholders and promote peace and stability in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Real Motive: A Desperate Attempt to Discredit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is evident that the allegations are motivated by a desire to discredit Dr. Otuaro and the programme. Certain ex-agitators who failed to secure appointments as Administrator of the PAP are now seeking to exact revenge and undermine the progress made by the programme. Their actions are nothing short of a campaign of calumny, aimed at destroying the reputation of Dr. Otuaro and the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reforms and Accountability: A New Era of Transparency<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the programme has introduced significant reforms aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. These reforms have drastically reduced the illicit and fraudulent patronage extended to certain ex-agitators, who had almost grounded the programme. The cessation of fraudulent payments has also been a major achievement, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aborted Expectations: The Role of Disgruntled Ex-Agitators<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some ex-agitators, who had expected to be appointed as Administrator, are now seeking to discredit the programme and its leadership. Their actions are driven by a sense of entitlement and a desire for revenge.
We urge you and the general public to see through their motives and reject their baseless allegations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Impact of Dr. Otuaro’s Leadership<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since his assumption of office, Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has had a significant impact on the programme. He has introduced innovative approaches to reintegration, including vocational training and economic empowerment. His efforts have also led to an increase in the number of beneficiaries enrolled in education and training programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Rise in Crude Oil Production:
The recent rise in crude oil production could be partly attributed to Dr. Otuaro’s leadership and his efforts to engage with stakeholders and promote peace and stability in the region. His approach has been instrumental in reducing tensions and promoting cooperation among stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion:
We urge you and the general public to disregard the malicious allegations made against the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its leadership. The programme remains committed to its mission of promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. We will continue to
work tirelessly with other stakeholders to ensure that the programme’s objectives are achieved, despite the attempts by detractors to undermine its progress.
Mr. President, we want to equally use this medium to call on you and all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its efforts to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region. Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation and ensure that the programme’s objectives are achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Mr. Kime Engozu<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. \u2060 Hendricks Opukeme<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. \u2060 Ari Sylvester Ari<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. \u2060Elder Kennedy Orubebe<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. \u2060Welman Warri<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. \u2060 Cooler Hart<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. \u2060Ibiba Don Pedro<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. \u2060 Felix Tuodolo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. \u2060Elfrida Olungwe<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. \u2060Emmanuel Bristol Alagbarigha<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. \u2060Tonbra Kasikoro<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. \u2060Chief David Reje Imole<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. \u2060Chief Ben Donyegha<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. \u2060 Rosebella Jackson<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. \u2060 Dr Lolo Fubara Sax Hailsham<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  16. \u2060comrade Anaye-Kio Akintunde<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  17. \u2060Alaowei Dr Oyeinfie E. Jonjon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  18. \u2060Chief Tina Tobusi<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  19. \u2060Chief Dan Ekpebide<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  20. Madam Primrose Oringeriya-Kpokposei<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  21. Arc. Sylvester Adowei<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  22. Comrade Morris Alagoa<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Cc:
    Cc:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022The Chairman
    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022The Director General NFIU<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2022The Chairman
    Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    By Freeborn Abraye Oporoza House, a coalition of distinguished elders, leaders, and stakeholders from the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3546,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[13],"tags":[983,982,980,981],"class_list":["post-3547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-as-they-lauds-otuaro-for-positive-reform-of-pap","tag-malicious","tag-oporoza-house-writes-president-tinubu-over-media-attacks-on-otuaro","tag-says-attacks-are-unfounded"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/67d10b75-d8aa-4d9a-8e76-5d626d4d9865-1.jpg?fit=233%2C216&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4462,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/20\/pap-sponsored-plots-to-derail-presidential-amnesty-programme-will-fail___says-ijaw-youth-group\/","url_meta":{"origin":3547,"position":0},"title":"PAP: \u201cSponsored Plots To Derail Presidential Amnesty Programme Will Fail\u201d___Says Ijaw Youth Group","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 20, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye The Ijaw Youth Network (IYN) has condemned recent attacks and blackmail by a so-called \"Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change\" against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro. 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The youth group lauded the PAP for the recent award of over 3000 scholarships to students of Niger\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/img_3940.jpg?fit=495%2C619&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2207,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/04\/28\/ignore-stakeholders-calling-for-the-replacement-of-otuaro-as-pap-administrator__ijaw-group-urge-fg\/","url_meta":{"origin":3547,"position":2},"title":"Ignore Stakeholders Calling For Otuaro\u2019s Replacement As PAP Administrator__Ijaw Group Urge FG","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"April 28, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye President Bola Tinubu has been urged to ignore inimical, mischievous and divisive calls by sponsored groups demanding the sack of Dr. Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program by the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI. The group, in a statement on Saturday by its President,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/img_1470-2-1.jpg?fit=498%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5186,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/12\/10\/ijaw-youths-leaders-of-thought-condemns-malicious-fabricated-politically-sponsored-attacks-against-pap-boss-dennis-otuaro-by-individuals-groups\/","url_meta":{"origin":3547,"position":3},"title":"Ijaw Youths Leaders Of Thought Condemns Malicious, Fabricated, Politically Sponsored Attacks Against PAP Boss Dennis Otuaro By Individuals, Groups","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"December 10, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin OPEN LETTER BY IJAW YOUTH LEADERS OF THOUGHT (IYLT)IN TOTAL REJECTION OF THE MALICIOUS, FABRICATED AND POLITICALLY-SPONSORED ATTACK AGAINST DR. DENNIS BURUTU OTUARODATED: 10TH DECEMBER 2025 We, the Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thought, rise today with a voice of unyielding conviction to unequivocally condemn, dismantle and expunge\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/img_5183.jpg?fit=627%2C841&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/img_5183.jpg?fit=627%2C841&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/img_5183.jpg?fit=627%2C841&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3525,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/02\/27\/pap-enough-is-enough-says-niger-delta-ex-agitators-as-they-vows-to-protect-otuaro-and-his-mandate-to-reform-the-amnesty-programme\/","url_meta":{"origin":3547,"position":4},"title":"PAP: \u201cEnough Is Enough\u201d Says Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, As They Vows To Protect Otuaro And His Mandate To Reform The Amnesty Programme","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"February 27, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye A group of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, under the umbrella body of the Coalition of Phase 1 Ex-Militant Leaders, has sent a strong message of warning to certain unguided elements in the region to desist from further incessant attacks against the Administrator of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3252,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/11\/15\/pap-administrator-dr-dennis-otuaro-condoles-with-president-tinubu-ribadu-ministers-defence-chiefs-over-death-of-chief-of-army-staff-lt-gen-taoreed-lagbaja\/","url_meta":{"origin":3547,"position":5},"title":"PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro Condoles With President Tinubu, Ribadu, Ministers, Defence Chiefs Over Death Of Chief Of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"November 15, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has commiserated with President Bola Tinubu on the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who died in active service. 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