Ijaw youths back PAP boss, slam ‘baseless’ attacks on Otuaro

The Ijaw Youth Network (IYN) has strongly defended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, against what it calls orchestrated efforts to tarnish his image and derail the progress made under his leadership.

In a statement issued by its President, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, the group dismissed recent claims of mismanagement made by a group identifying itself as the “Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change.” IYN labelled the allegations as both unfounded and malicious.

According to the group, the accusations form part of a coordinated campaign to discredit Otuaro and undermine the reforms he has brought to the PAP since his appointment.

They further alleged that individuals behind the smear campaign are those who once benefited from irregularities within the system—irregularities that Otuaro has since curtailed.

“Every other week, a new ghost group springs up with similar accusations, a pattern designed to harass and discredit a man whose only offence is his diligence, transparency, and love for the Niger Delta,” the statement read.

IYN commended Otuaro for spearheading significant reforms in the PAP, particularly in expanding access to scholarships and vocational training for former agitators and youths across the Niger Delta.

“The Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Dennis Otuaro has focused on youth empowerment, education, and skills acquisition — all geared towards human capacity development and sustaining peace in the Niger Delta.

His efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the IYN stated.

The group also questioned the legitimacy of the accusers, branding the so-called “Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change” as a fictitious outfit led by faceless individuals, including one ‘Comrade Lion Ogorry.’

They claimed the broader aim of the smear campaign was to embarrass President Tinubu, who appointed Otuaro to revamp and reposition the amnesty programme for greater impact.

Urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other agencies not to be used as political tools, the IYN called on all Niger Deltans to support Otuaro in safeguarding the integrity of the PAP.

“We say unequivocally: Leave Dr. Dennis Otuaro alone. He is doing an excellent job.
“The people of the Niger Delta — including ex-agitators, traditional leaders, and stakeholders — are solidly behind him,” the statement concluded.

IYN also warned against ethnic profiling in national conversations, pointing out that such targeted campaigns are rarely directed at officials from other regions. They called for an end to what they termed a divisive and dangerous pattern.