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FULL TEXT: Oporoza House Writes Tinubu, Says Media Attacks On Otuaro Unfounded, Malicious

Published

8 months ago

March 2, 2025

Oporoza House, a coalition of distinguished elders, leaders, and stakeholders from the Niger Delta, has formally written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to disregard unfounded media attacks against Dr. Brutu Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

In a letter signed by Mr. Kime Engozu, Elder Kennedy Orubebe, Felix Tuodolo, and nineteen others, the group expressed concern over a series of baseless allegations aimed at discrediting Otuaro and the progress of the PAP.

They described these allegations as a “calculated attempt” to derail the achievements made by the programme which, according to them, has been instrumental in promoting peace and development in the region.

Others who signed the letter included Hendricks Opukeme, Ari Sylvester Ari, Welman Warri, Cooler Hart, Ibiba Don Pedro, Felix Tuodolo, Elfrida Olungwe, Emmanuel Bristol Alagbarigha, Tonbra Kasikoro, Chief Ben Donyegha, Chief David Reje Imole, Rosebella Jackson, Dr Lolo Fubara Sax Hailsham, comrade Anaye-Kio Akintunde, Alaowei Dr Oyeinfie E. Jonjon, Chief Tina Tobusi, Chief Dan Ekpebide, Madam Primrose Oringeriya-Kpokposei, Arc. Sylvester Adowei and Comrade Morris Alagoa.

In the letter, they argued that claims of financial misappropriation against Dr. Otuaro are completely unfounded.

The signatories insisted that all payments made under his administration were legitimate, adhering to federal accounting standards, and intended to bolster stakeholder engagement and regional stability.

The letter also copied the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Director General NFIU and the Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, ICPC, adding that Niger Delta people are satisfied with the reforms of the administrator of the presidential amnesty programme, PAP.

“It is evident that these malicious allegations stem from ex-agitators who failed to secure appointments as Administrator of the PAP and are now seeking revenge,” the letter stated.

“Their actions represent a campaign of calumny aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Dr. Otuaro and the program.”, they added.

“Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, Oporoza House praises the significant reforms introduced to promote transparency and accountability within the PAP. They noted that the reduction of fraudulent activities and illicit patronage has been a major achievement of his administration, allowing for more effective utilization of funds intended for the reintegration of ex-agitators.

“Since taking office, Dr. Otuaro has implemented innovative strategies, including vocational training and economic empowerment initiatives, which have led to an increase in the number of beneficiaries participating in educational programs.

“Oporoza House encourages the public and all stakeholders to focus on these positive contributions rather than be swayed by detractors”, the Oporoza house added.

The group concluded their letter by reiterating their commitment to the goals of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and called for unity among Nigerians in support of the efforts to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region.

They urged the President to remain steadfast against efforts aimed at undermining the progress attained under Dr. Otuaro’s administration.

Read the full letter:

2nd March 2025

Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)
President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Aso Rock Presidential Villa
Abuja.

CAMPAIGN OF COLUMNY AGAINST THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME

We are an assemblage of revered elders, leaders, and veterans of the Niger Delta self-determination agitation and esteemed stakeholders in the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Our collective experience and wisdom, forged through years of advocacy and struggle, have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of the Niger Delta region.
We proudly recall our pivotal role in constituting the mobile resource team that championed the roadmap to resolving the Niger Delta hostilities. Our tireless efforts set the stage for the proclamation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in 2009, a watershed moment that marked a new era of peace and development in the region.

As stakeholders, we have remained committed to the ideals of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, working tirelessly behind the scene to ensure its success and sustainability. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the programme on the lives of former agitators and the region as a whole.

In the light of the recent malicious allegations against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, we feel compelled to set the records straight. As stakeholders, we can attest to the programme’s transparency, accountability, and commitment to its stated objectives. We urge you and the public to disregard these baseless allegations and instead focus on the programme’s numerous achievements and contributions to peace and development in the Niger Delta region.

We write to express our utmost disappointment and outrage at the recent spurious allegations made by the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum. These baseless accusations are nothing short of a calculated attempt to discredit and undermine the recent progress made by the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The Facts: A Programme of Reintegration and Development

The Presidential Amnesty Programme is a complex initiative aimed at reintegrating former agitators into society and promoting sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. Since its inception, the programme has made significant strides in providing education, vocational training, and economic empowerment to its beneficiaries. Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing the programme and ensuring its effectiveness.

Addressing the Allegations: Transparency and Accountability

We can state categorically that the allegations of misappropriation and financial impropriety made against Dr. Otuaro are unfounded. The payments made to stakeholders were legitimate and in accordance with standard accounting principles and practices of the Federal Government, which you can verify. These payments were part of the Administrator’s efforts to engage with stakeholders and promote peace and stability in the region.

The Real Motive: A Desperate Attempt to Discredit

It is evident that the allegations are motivated by a desire to discredit Dr. Otuaro and the programme. Certain ex-agitators who failed to secure appointments as Administrator of the PAP are now seeking to exact revenge and undermine the progress made by the programme. Their actions are nothing short of a campaign of calumny, aimed at destroying the reputation of Dr. Otuaro and the programme.

Reforms and Accountability: A New Era of Transparency

Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, the programme has introduced significant reforms aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. These reforms have drastically reduced the illicit and fraudulent patronage extended to certain ex-agitators, who had almost grounded the programme. The cessation of fraudulent payments has also been a major achievement, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and efficiently.

Aborted Expectations: The Role of Disgruntled Ex-Agitators

Some ex-agitators, who had expected to be appointed as Administrator, are now seeking to discredit the programme and its leadership. Their actions are driven by a sense of entitlement and a desire for revenge.
We urge you and the general public to see through their motives and reject their baseless allegations.

The Impact of Dr. Otuaro’s Leadership

Since his assumption of office, Dr. Otuaro’s leadership has had a significant impact on the programme. He has introduced innovative approaches to reintegration, including vocational training and economic empowerment. His efforts have also led to an increase in the number of beneficiaries enrolled in education and training programmes.

The Rise in Crude Oil Production:
The recent rise in crude oil production could be partly attributed to Dr. Otuaro’s leadership and his efforts to engage with stakeholders and promote peace and stability in the region. His approach has been instrumental in reducing tensions and promoting cooperation among stakeholders.

Conclusion:
We urge you and the general public to disregard the malicious allegations made against the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its leadership. The programme remains committed to its mission of promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. We will continue to
work tirelessly with other stakeholders to ensure that the programme’s objectives are achieved, despite the attempts by detractors to undermine its progress.
Mr. President, we want to equally use this medium to call on you and all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its efforts to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region. Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation and ensure that the programme’s objectives are achieved.

Signed:

1. Mr. Kime Engozu
2. ⁠ Hendricks Opukeme
3. ⁠ Ari Sylvester Ari
4. ⁠Elder Kennedy Orubebe
5. ⁠Welman Warri
6. ⁠ Cooler Hart
7. ⁠Ibiba Don Pedro
8. ⁠ Felix Tuodolo
9. ⁠Elfrida Olungwe
10. ⁠Emmanuel Bristol Alagbarigha
11. ⁠Tonbra Kasikoro
12. ⁠Chief David Reje Imole
13. ⁠Chief Ben Donyegha
14. ⁠ Rosebella Jackson
15. ⁠ Dr Lolo Fubara Sax Hailsham
16. ⁠comrade Anaye-Kio Akintunde
17. ⁠Alaowei Dr Oyeinfie E. Jonjon
18. ⁠Chief Tina Tobusi
19. ⁠Chief Dan Ekpebide
20. Madam Primrose Oringeriya-Kpokposei
21. Arc. Sylvester Adowei
22. Comrade Morris Alagoa

Cc:
Cc:

•The Chairman
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

•The Director General NFIU

•The Chairman
Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission

News

Gombe Wins Northeast Quiz Competition On Legislature, Democracy

Published

18 hours ago

October 31, 2025

Editor

Gombe State has emerged as the winner at the 2025 North East Zonal Quiz Competition on legislature and democracy organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for senior secondary schools across Northeast on Friday.

Speaking before the commencement of the 2025 edition of the zonal debate which focuses on the legislature, democracy and governance, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said the exercise was to deepen the knowledge of legislative and democratic governance among secondary school students and youth.

According to him, it was also to broaden their knowledge on the history, practice and procedure of the legislature and encourage deeper understanding of civic and democratic governance.

The competition, he added, would stimulate the interest of the young students in politics and make them more proactive in matters relating to the legislature and democracy.

He explained that enhancing the knowledge of young Nigerians in the legislature would not only foster an inclusive and participatory legislature in Nigeria but would also serve as an avenue for citizen engagement in the legislative process.

Represented by Mr Jeremiah Agada, NILDS Northeast Zonal Quiz Coordinator, Sulaiman added that the quiz competition would take place in all the six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“It is also to inspire young Nigerians to cultivate the interest to participate in legislative governance.

“This 10th edition of the competition is therefore the fourth time the competition has been held at the national level.

“As the 2025 NILDS Zonal quiz competition is declared open, I therefore urge all competing students and their teachers to abide by the rules of the game so that the desired objectives of the competition are achieved,” he said.

Also speaking, the Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Muhammed Lawal, said the exercise was a welcome development in the circle of education, adding that it was a ground where students in the zone could be tested among other students in the country.

“This will enable us to improve the quality of our delivery in our various schools to our teeming students across the zone.

“I want them to take it upon themselves that in an engagement like this, there is no loser. You put in your best, and if at the end of the day, you don’t make it up to the top, your efforts will be crowned.

“I hope this will be well covered because it will stimulate other schools to be part of and perform better so that they can come up to this level as well,” he said.

Mohammed appreciated the commitment of teachers and moderators who coached the students to fully participate in the competition and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revamping the education sector under Gov. Bala Mohammad’s leadership.

Announcing the winner of the competition, the Quiz Master Mr. Lucky Tongs, announced Gombe State as the overall winner of the debate with 75 points

He also announced Taraba State as the first runner up with 55 points and Yobe State as the third position with 50 points, adding that the winner is expected to represent the Northeast sub-region at the National competition in Abuja.

Other states that participated in the competition included Adamawa and Bauchi.

News

Police Arrest Nollywood Production Manager For Assaulting Crew Member

Published

21 hours ago

October 31, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Police have arrested a Nollywood production manager, Anierobi Courage, for allegedly assaulting a crew member.

Anierobi Courage, better known as Nwa South, reportedly assaulted the head of makeup, Mary Chizzy Eze, on October 28, 2025, while on the set of the film “Lagos to Opulence.”

A trending video of the physical altercation showed the production manager pressing Mary’s throat after slapping her, an act that has sparked widespread outrage on social media.

Reacting to the public condemnation, the Nigeria Film Crew Community (NFCC), in a statement released on Thursday, described Courage’s actions as “animalistic behaviour.”

Announcing his arrest, NFCC called on Nollywood producers and other stakeholders to blacklist Courage across all productions.

“The production manager violently hit and strangled Mary Chizzy Eze for speaking up against unequal treatment among the crew. While she has received medical care, he has been arrested.

“This level of disregard for human dignity is unacceptable. We stand firmly against all forms of abuse, assault, and crew maltreatment,” the NFCC said.

News

‘EFCC Collected N10m Before They Released Me’ – Oladips Alleges [VIDEO]

Published

22 hours ago

October 31, 2025

Editor

Popular Nigerian singer, Oladips has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of collecting N10 million from him.

The rapper made this known nearly a year after he was arrested by EFCC during a midnight raid in his estate.

Oladips was arrested with some of his neighbors for alleged fraud in November 2024.

He was released after spending five days in detention.

Speaking about his experience with the EFCC, Oladips in his latest interview on Trending podcast, stated that nothing was found on him after the EFCC investigations.

While revealing that the EFCC collected N10 million from him before his release, he lamented that “Nigeria just happened to me”.

“It’s just one smelling place like that. They just packed us there like sardines and they gave us nonsense food. Funny enough it was Zlatan that was sending me food. Zlatan is not even a friend, that’s my blood.

“He was sending someone to buy good food for me because the food there is bad. They just packed us there like sardines. I’m not even supposed to be there first of all. Like, why did I spend four to five days there when you people (EFCC) didn’t find anything on me, not even a single thing. And they still collect N10 million from me before they released me.”

When asked “Is it a thing you can take up against the EFCC later, or you will just allow the sleeping dog lie?”, the singer responded “Who is my father?”

“Who is my father now? At the end of the day, who is my father? It’s just me and my truth. It’s not something I will want to. I don’t just know how the system works. I for dey their page now if to say I dey do Yahoo. They didn’t find anything on me. If they are watching this, they know that I’m saying the truth.

“They collected money from me before they released me. They didn’t find anything on me. So, what was the money for? What was all that stress and suffering for? It’s just Nigeria. Nigeria just happened to me,” he said.

https://x.com/i/status/1983504280972615813