Amid growing allegations by some groups accusing the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, of corruption and exclusion of ex-agitators, respected Niger Delta leader and former agitator, Chief Peter Aghogho, has come out strongly in defence of the Amnesty boss.
In this interview, Aghogho, the Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of the Urhobo Youth Council and a former agitator, responds to the allegations, explains his confidence in Dr Otuaro’s leadership, and speaks about the future of the Amnesty Programme under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
You have publicly expressed support for Dr Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. What informed your confidence in his leadership?
My support for Dr Dennis Otuaro is based on first-hand knowledge of his competence, integrity, and reform-minded leadership. He understands the objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and has shown clear commitment to repositioning it for sustainability, accountability, and real impact in the Niger Delta.
Several youth groups have accused Dr Otuaro of sidelining genuine ex-agitators. From your perspective, how inclusive has the current Amnesty administration been?
The claim that genuine ex-agitators are being sidelined is misleading. The Amnesty Programme today is more structured and inclusive than before. Dr Otuaro inherited a system with deep-rooted challenges and is working deliberately to correct long-standing imbalances, not to create new ones.
How would you respond to claims that the Amnesty Programme under Dr Otuaro is being run as a “family or cronies’ affair”?
That allegation is unfair and completely unsubstantiated. The Presidential Amnesty Programme operates through established institutional frameworks, committees, and civil service procedures. Decisions are guided by policy and due process, not personal or family interests.
As someone familiar with the Niger Delta struggle, do you believe the current leadership of PAP understands the historical and political significance of the Amnesty Programme?
Absolutely. Dr Dennis Otuaro is a son of the Niger Delta and one of the leaders in the struggle long before he was appointed Administrator. He understands the terrain, the sacrifices, and the political history that gave birth to the Amnesty Programme. His policies reflect respect for that struggle while focusing on peace consolidation, human capacity development, and long-term regional stability.
There are allegations of financial mismanagement and diversion of funds meant for ex-agitators. Have you seen any evidence to support or contradict these claims?
I have not seen any credible evidence to support such allegations. On the contrary, Dr Otuaro has strengthened internal controls, documentation, and accountability mechanisms within the programme. Allegations should always be investigated, but accusations must not replace facts.
Supporters of Dr Otuaro argue that reforms and restructuring often generate resistance. Do you think the criticisms against him are reform-related pushbacks?
Yes, very much so. Reforms always attract resistance, especially from those who benefited from opaque systems in the past. Many of these attacks are reactionary and aimed at discrediting an administration that is closing loopholes and insisting on transparency.
Some critics question the credibility of individuals benefiting from PAP programmes. What mechanisms are in place to verify beneficiaries, and how effective are they?
The Amnesty Programme has verification processes involving records, profiling, and inter-agency collaboration. While no system is perfect, Dr Otuaro is improving beneficiary verification to ensure the programme truly benefits those it was designed for.
In your view, how has Dr Otuaro improved transparency, education, and leadership training within the Amnesty Programme?
Under Dr Otuaro, there is renewed emphasis on education, vocational training, leadership development, and sustainable empowerment. These are long-term investments that reduce restiveness and prepare beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to society and national development.
What would you say to ex-agitators who feel marginalised or unheard under the current administration?
My message is simple: engage constructively. The doors of the Amnesty Office are open. Dialogue, patience, and institutional engagement, not threats or misinformation, remain the best path to resolution.
Do you believe calls for Dr Otuaro’s removal are driven by genuine concern for the Niger Delta or by political and personal interests?
Many of the calls are clearly politically motivated or driven by personal interests rather than the collective good of the Niger Delta. Genuine concerns should follow due process, not media trials or sensationalism.
How important is continuity in leadership at this stage of the Amnesty Programme, especially under President Bola Tinubu’s administration?
Continuity is critical. The Amnesty Programme is at a delicate stage of reform. Frequent leadership changes will only derail progress. Dr Otuaro deserves the opportunity to fully implement his reform agenda in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.
Finally, what message would you like to send to President Tinubu and the Niger Delta stakeholders regarding Dr Otuaro’s stewardship of the Amnesty Programme?
My message is simple: support stability, reform, and due process. Dr Dennis Otuaro is working in the interest of peace and development. The Amnesty Programme must be strengthened, not undermined by unverified accusations, so it can serve both present and future generations.
How would you react to a recent call by a group known as Concerned Youth of the Niger Delta demanding Dr Otuaro’s removal?
I do not share their views. Dr Otuaro has demonstrated commitment to reforms, inclusiveness, and transparency. He meets regularly with ex-agitators and stakeholders, feels the pulse of the region, and ensures peace is maintained. Impacted communities are now direct beneficiaries of projects, and the era of bogus contracts is over. It is no longer business as usual.
