Precious Anga
Lagos — A coalition of former militant groups in the Niger Delta has called on the Federal Government to restructure the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, including the replacement of its current administrator, Chief Dennis Otuaro, over allegations of poor performance, exclusion and inadequate delivery of benefits to ex-agitators.
The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The group urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a new head for the programme and called for a leadership structure that promotes inclusiveness and equitable representation across the Niger Delta.
The coalition argued that the programme has not adequately addressed the training, empowerment and reintegration needs of many former agitators. According to the group, a significant number of beneficiaries are yet to receive meaningful empowerment opportunities despite years of implementation and funding of the initiative.
The ex-militants also demanded a comprehensive review and forensic audit of all undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships awarded under the Amnesty Programme, insisting that the process should be investigated to ensure transparency and fairness. The call comes amid growing concerns from some stakeholder groups over alleged exclusion from scholarship and welfare programmes.
In addition, the coalition proposed that the Presidential Amnesty Programme be removed from the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser and transferred to a ministry responsible for regional development and planning. The group argued that such a move would strengthen oversight, improve programme delivery and ensure greater focus on the long-term development needs of the Niger Delta.
The latest demands follow recent protests and complaints by some ex-agitator groups in Akwa Ibom State, who alleged they have been sidelined from key benefits of the programme, including monthly stipends, training opportunities and educational support schemes.
Established in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was introduced to end militancy in the Niger Delta through rehabilitation, education, vocational training and economic reintegration. While the initiative has contributed to relative peace in the region, concerns over administration, transparency and equitable distribution of benefits have continued to generate debate among stakeholders.
