Ex – agitators from the Niger Delta region under the auspices of “The Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum and Delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP)” which cut across over eight (8) Niger Delta states, held a crucial meeting at Akure, Ondo State on Sunday, 18th May, to delibrate on issues of their initial two weeks ultimatum which expired on Tuesday, 20th May 2025.
The members have within the last two months held several meetings in Warri, Delta, Akure in Ondo, Sagbama in Bayelsa, Port Harcourt in Rivers, Uyo in Akwa Ibom, Edo and Cross Rivers States.
The recent meeting at Akure was with certain resolutions to take drastic measures due to the Amnesty Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s inaction on their sincere demands.
The Ex – agitators are primarily urging the Presidential Amnesty Administrator, Otuaro to increase the monthly stipend received by beneficiaries as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has in order for members to meet the present economic realities, graciously approved higher amounts for the amnesty programme, which has increased its former annual allocation of Sixty five billion naira (₦65,000,000,000) to One hundred and fifty one billion (₦151,000,000,000).
The group is also humbly requesting the Amnesty Administrator to enrol the authentic members of the presidential amnesty beneficiaries who were unlawfully and illegally delisted from the program.
The resolution from the Akure meeting reads as follows:
Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts, we express utter disappointment with the Amnesty Administrator Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro’s attitude, who claims to be part of the Niger Delta struggles but neglecting our genuine concerns.
Leaving the real strugglers and delegates, to work with enemies and those who labelled us criminals.
However, our demands remain:
1. Increase beneficiaries stipends to ₦300,000 monthly.
2. Reinstate unlawfully delisted beneficiaries.
3. Collaborate with the government, oil exploring companies and other development agencies to bring development to the region.
Also note that the 14-day ultimatum earlier issued has elapsed. We have after our critical meeting given a final 7-day notice, to provide us with answers.
But if our sincere demands are ignored, we shall be left without a choice, to seek alternative means for justice, which might lead to heightened frustration that would reflect negatively in the relative peace enjoyed in the Niger Delta region. This is if the Federal Government and relevant authorities don’t properly manage the situation before hand.
Warning to Relevant Authorities:
We shall communicate our next steps to relevant authorities, agencies, and the government. Our petition against the Amnesty office shall expose several ill practices in Otuaro’s administration.
We shall take our fate into our hands, believing that justice delayed is definitely not denied.
Signed:
Owoupele Eneoriekumoh Owous,
National Chairman, Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum and Delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP)
