Interviews
Dr. Otuaro Deserves Support, Not Unfounded Attacks — Ex-Militant Leader Defends Amnesty Programme Administrator
INTERVIEW: “Dr. Otuaro Deserves Support, Not Unfounded Attacks” — Ex-Militant Leader Defends Amnesty Programme Administrator
By Staff Reporter
As controversy swirls around the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), a prominent Niger Delta voice has risen in defence of its embattled administrator.
General Peter Aghogho, Chairman of the Abuja chapter of the Urhobo Youth Council and former militant leader, has dismissed allegations of corruption and exclusion leveled against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, calling them politically motivated and unsupported by evidence.
In this exclusive interview, Gen. Aghogho addresses the accusations, explains why he believes Dr. Otuaro is the right person to lead the programme, and outlines what he sees as the path forward for the amnesty initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Q: General Aghogho, you’ve been vocal in your support for Dr. Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. Why do you have confidence in his leadership?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
My support stems from direct knowledge of his competence and integrity. Dr. Otuaro understands the core objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and has demonstrated clear commitment to making it more sustainable, accountable, and impactful for the Niger Delta region.
Q: Several youth groups claim Dr. Otuaro is sidelining genuine ex-agitators. How inclusive has his administration been from your perspective?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
That claim is misleading. The programme today is more structured and inclusive than it has been in the past. Dr. Otuaro inherited a system plagued by deep-rooted challenges. He’s working systematically to address long-standing imbalances, not create new ones.
Q: Critics allege the programme is being run as a “family or cronies’ affair.” How do you respond?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
That allegation is both unfair and unsubstantiated. The Presidential Amnesty Programme operates through established institutional frameworks, committees, and civil service procedures. Decisions are guided by policy and due process, not personal interests.
Q: As someone who participated in the Niger Delta struggle, do you believe Dr. Otuaro understands the historical significance of the Amnesty Programme?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
Absolutely. Dr. Otuaro is a son of the Niger Delta who was involved in the struggle long before his appointment as administrator. He understands the terrain, the sacrifices made, and the political history that birthed this programme. His policies reflect respect for that struggle while focusing on peace consolidation, capacity development, and long-term regional stability.
Q: There are allegations of financial mismanagement and diverted funds. Have you seen evidence supporting these claims?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
I haven’t seen any credible evidence. On the contrary, Dr. Otuaro has strengthened internal controls, documentation, and accountability mechanisms within the programme. While allegations should be investigated, we must not allow accusations to replace facts.
Q: Some argue that the criticisms against Dr. Otuaro are pushback against his reforms. Do you agree?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
Yes, very much so. Reforms always attract resistance, especially from those who benefited from opaque systems. Many of these attacks are reactionary, aimed at discrediting an administration that is closing loopholes and insisting on transparency.
Q: What mechanisms exist to verify beneficiaries, and how effective are they?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
The programme has verification processes involving records, profiling, and inter-agency collaboration. While no system is perfect, Dr. Otuaro is actively improving beneficiary verification to ensure the programme truly serves those it was designed for.
Q: How has Dr. Otuaro improved transparency and capacity building within the programme?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
Under his leadership, there’s renewed emphasis on education, vocational training, leadership development, and sustainable empowerment. These are long-term investments that reduce restiveness and prepare beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to society and national development.
Q: What’s your message to ex-agitators who feel marginalized under the current administration?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
Engage constructively. The doors of the Amnesty Office are open. Dialogue, patience, and institutional engagement—not threats or misinformation—remain the best path to resolution.
Q: Are the calls for Dr. Otuaro’s removal driven by genuine concern or other interests?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
Many of these calls are clearly politically motivated or driven by personal interests rather than the collective good of the Niger Delta. Genuine concerns should follow due process, not media trials or sensationalism.
Q: How important is leadership continuity at this stage of the programme?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
Continuity is critical. The programme is at a delicate reform stage. Frequent leadership changes will only derail progress. Dr. Otuaro deserves the opportunity to fully implement his reform agenda in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.
Q: What’s your message to President Tinubu and Niger Delta stakeholders regarding Dr. Otuaro’s stewardship?
Gen. Peter Aghogho:
Support stability, reform, and due process. Dr. Otuaro is working in the interest of peace and development. The Amnesty Programme must be strengthened, not undermined by unverified accusations, so it can serve both present and future generations.
Responding to Recent Allegations
When asked about recent calls by a group identifying itself as “Concerned Youth of the Niger Delta” demanding Dr. Otuaro’s removal, Gen. Aghogho dismissed the allegations as baseless.
“I do not share their views,” he stated. “Dr. Otuaro has demonstrated commitment to reforms, inclusiveness, and transparency. He meets regularly with ex-agitators and stakeholders, maintains close contact with the region, and ensures peace is sustained. Impacted communities are now direct beneficiaries of projects, and the era of inflated contracts is over. It’s no longer business as usual.