A Niger Delta activist and concerned voice for former agitators, Tare Deseimoh, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Dr. Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), alleging that the programme has drifted from its original mandate.
Deseimoh also demanded an increase in the monthly stipends paid to ex-agitators, arguing that beneficiaries who surrendered their arms and contributed to restoring peace in the Niger Delta should not be left behind amid the current economic hardship.
In a statement, Deseimoh expressed concern over what he described as the growing disconnect between the PAP leadership and the welfare needs of former agitators.
He maintained that while education, vocational training and human-capital development remain important components of the Amnesty Programme, they should not be used as justification for neglecting the welfare of the beneficiaries.
According to him, the people who made sacrifices during the Niger Delta struggle deserve continued attention and support from the Federal Government.
“How can anyone in their right mind advise Dr. Dennis Otuaro against increasing the monthly stipends of ex-agitators?” Deseimoh asked, arguing that the increase in the programme’s annual budget should translate into improved welfare and empowerment for beneficiaries.
He further alleged that some individuals advising the PAP leadership do not adequately understand the challenges confronting former agitators and their families.
Deseimoh particularly criticised what he described as attempts to convince beneficiaries that their monthly stipends were no longer important, saying the current economic situation had made the payments even more necessary.
He said the Federal Government should pursue a balanced approach that combines sustainable empowerment, vocational training and human-capital development with adequate welfare support for ex-agitators.
The Niger Delta activist also warned that continued economic hardship among beneficiaries could undermine the peace and stability achieved in the region following years of agitation.
According to him, the relative peace currently enjoyed in the Niger Delta was achieved through sacrifice, dialogue and the willingness of former agitators to embrace the Amnesty Programme.
“An administrator who truly cares about sustainable peace would prioritise both immediate welfare and long-term empowerment,” he said.
Deseimoh therefore appealed to President Tinubu to urgently review the administration and management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and ensure that its original objectives are not compromised.
He called for the appointment of what he described as a more compassionate and visionary administrator who would prioritise the welfare of ex-agitators while strengthening education, skills acquisition and sustainable empowerment initiatives.
He further urged the Federal Government to review the monthly stipend structure to reflect current economic realities, stressing that inflation and the rising cost of living have significantly reduced the purchasing power of beneficiaries.
Deseimoh said more than 30,000 ex-agitators and their families depend on the programme and warned that continued neglect could create frustration among beneficiaries.
He concluded by urging President Tinubu to take decisive steps to restore confidence in the Amnesty Programme and ensure that the sacrifices made by former agitators are not forgotten.
“President Tinubu must act decisively now by sacking Dennis Otuaro and appointing a compassionate, visionary leader who will honour agreements, respect the rights of ex-agitators and bring true development to the Niger Delta,” Deseimoh said.
