Precious Anga
Lagos — A coalition of Niger Delta agitators has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged diversion of ₦257 billion reportedly allocated to members of the Ukanafun Freedom Fighters under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), describing the claim as a major test of accountability within the intervention scheme.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued after the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators held its general meeting in Akwa Ibom State, where members assessed the state of the region and the performance of the amnesty programme established to rehabilitate and reintegrate former militants.
The group urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged diversion. According to the coalition, the funds were meant for 22 members of the Ukanafun Freedom Fighters but were allegedly misappropriated.
Beyond the alleged ₦257 billion diversion, the coalition called for a forensic audit of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, including a review of all undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships awarded since the scheme was established in 2009. It also demanded the investigation and prosecution of any officials found culpable in the administration of educational, training and empowerment programmes.
The agitators expressed dissatisfaction with the management of the Amnesty Office, alleging that many ex-agitators remain unemployed despite years of government spending on rehabilitation, vocational training and empowerment initiatives. They argued that the programme has fallen short of its core objective of improving the livelihoods of beneficiaries across the Niger Delta.
The coalition further urged President Bola Tinubu to review the leadership of the programme, insisting that stronger oversight and transparency measures are required to restore confidence among stakeholders. It warned that persistent allegations of corruption and unequal access to programme benefits could deepen frustration within communities that have long depended on the initiative.
The group also declared support for a planned one-week peaceful protest by the Akwa Ibom Ex-Agitators Forum scheduled to begin on June 15, saying the Federal Government must act swiftly to address the allegations and ensure accountability.
Established in 2009, the Presidential Amnesty Programme was introduced as part of efforts to end militancy in the Niger Delta through education, vocational training, rehabilitation and economic reintegration. While the programme has contributed to relative stability in the oil-producing region, questions over transparency, funding and programme delivery have continued to attract scrutiny from stakeholders and beneficiary groups.
