Ex-Niger Delta Agitators Reject Corruption Allegations Against Otauro, Tompolo
Emamuzo Iboma
A group of former Niger Delta agitators, operating under the banner of Concerned Niger Delta Youths, has strongly refuted allegations of corruption levelled against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dennis Otauro, and prominent ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo.
The controversy began when some former agitators, including Ben Ebikabowei Victor (popularly known as BoyLoaf) and Bibopere Azube (alias Shoot at Sight), accused Otauro and Tompolo of financial misconduct in petitions reportedly submitted to authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom. The allegations suggested mismanagement of amnesty funds and other fraudulent activities.
However, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the leader of Amnesty Phase 3, Emma Satu, dismissed the accusations as baseless and urged the international community to disregard them. He maintained that Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro has demonstrated transparency and accountability as Amnesty Administrator.
“For the sake of clarity, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, has shown commendable integrity in the management of amnesty funds,” Satu stated. “An audit of the Amnesty Office has confirmed that he has been performing creditably since his appointment. Unlike in the past, when the office was plagued by irregularities, beneficiaries now receive their monthly stipends on time, and the core objectives of the program are being effectively pursued.
“Satu further described the allegations made by BoyLoaf and Shoot at Sight as acts of desperation driven by personal vendettas. “It is disheartening that supposed brothers would betray their own people and fabricate claims that only serve to sow discord,” he lamented. “These accusations of crimes against humanity, corruption, and misappropriation of funds are mere fabrications fueled by hatred, jealousy, and desperation.
“In a call for increased government intervention, Satu urged the federal government, including the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police, to strengthen peace initiatives in the Niger Delta. He also appealed to the international community to support the people of the region, emphasizing the devastating impact of oil exploration on their rivers, farmlands, and livelihoods.
“The Niger Delta people have suffered greatly due to the environmental degradation caused by multinational oil companies,” Satu noted. “Rather than engaging in baseless accusations, we should be advocating for solutions that will restore our lands and provide sustainable economic opportunities for our people.
“The refutation by Concerned Niger Delta Youths underscores the deregion’s peoplefoemphasisingnt groups and highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. While the allegations have sparked controversy, the Nigerian government is yet to officially respond to the matter.
