News

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

Published

1 year 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

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

41 minutes ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
‎
‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

17 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.