Disgruntled individuals behind the petition to Tinubu, EFCC against Presidential Amnesty Boss says Ijaw Youth Leader Akiefa 

By Ezekiel Kagbala 

Popular Niger Delta activist and Deputy President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Frank Akiefa, has unveiled the people behind a recent petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Dr. Dennis Otuaro.

Akiefa, in an open letter despatched to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the EFCC, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Tuesday, described the authors of the purported petition as "some merchants of violence who styled themselves as Ex-militants operating under one questionable group, 'The Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum."

According to Akiefa, "the faceless group are fighting Otuaro's efforts to reposition PAP; they are only agitating, using the usual style of blackmail."

Akiefa, while urging President Tinubu and the EFCC to disregard the purported petition, maintained that "it would be an utter waste of time and effort to take the misguided group seriously" just as he insisted that "there is nothing for the EFCC to 
investigate in the Amnesty office as regards the malicious and erroneous accusation of awarding contracts to moribund companies, which was the unfounded accusation raised against Dennis Otuaro". 

Akiefa's statement partly reads, "The petitioners are only interested in threatening the social harmony and stability that the PAP is enjoying under Otuaro's reforms. All the accusations against Otuaro are malicious, baseless, diversionary, and fake.

"Criminals who are masquerading as militants have advanced to the extent of threatening peace and security in the Niger Delta region; Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum is a criminal gang, and soon, they will be made to face the law, as no form of terror would be tolerated.

"Some disgruntled individuals cannot be allowed to overshadow the collective achievements of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta region. The program has provided countless opportunities for our youth, and we must continue to support its objectives".

Continuing, Akiefa also called for unity among the various stakeholders in the Niger Delta, warning that resorting to public accusations and blackmail by all sorts of miscreants who styled themselves as Ex-militants will no longer be tolerated. 

His letter reads further, "Sensationalism that could jeopardize the hard-won peace in the region will be actionable.

"Dennis Otuaro has been at the helm of the amnesty program during a particularly tumultuous period. His leadership has been marked by efforts to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and ensure that the program meets its objectives. 

"Under his guidance, there have been initiatives aimed at vocational training, education, and community development, all of which are crucial for the long-term stability of the region. Though the amnesty program operates in a complex environment where expectations often exceed available resources, as such, the blackmail against the amnesty Boss is a joke taken too far".

Comrade Frank Akiefa's open letter is reproduced below:

11th, February 2025 

His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu  
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  
Aso Rock Presidential Villa  
Abuja, Nigeria  

Dear President Tinubu,  

Subject: Call to Support Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Amnesty Program  

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a concerned citizen deeply invested in the progress and stability of our great nation, I am writing to you regarding the recent petitions against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program.  

The Amnesty Program has been a crucial initiative aimed at fostering peace, stability, and development in the Niger Delta region. Under Dr. Otuaro's leadership, the program has made significant strides in addressing the grievances of the people, promoting dialogue, and facilitating the reintegration of former militants into society. His commitment to the program's objectives and his dedication to the welfare of the beneficiaries have been commendable.  

However, it has come to my attention that there are calls for investigations and actions against Dr. Otuaro, which I believe are unfounded and politically motivated. It is essential to recognize that such actions could undermine the progress made in the region and disrupt the delicate peace that has been established.  

I urge you, Mr. President and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to carefully consider the implications of these petitions. Instead of succumbing to pressures that may seek to destabilize the program, I implore you to support Dennis Otuaro in his efforts to continue the vital work of the Amnesty Program.  

The Niger Delta region has faced numerous challenges over the years, and the success of the Amnesty Program is a testament to the potential for positive change when we invest in dialogue and rehabilitation rather than conflict and division. Disregarding these petitions will send a strong message that the government stands firm in its commitment to peace and development, prioritizing the welfare of the people over political maneuvering.  

In conclusion, I call upon you and the EFCC to stand by. Dennis Otuaro and the objectives of the Amnesty Program. Let us work together to ensure that the progress we have made is not jeopardized by unfounded allegations and political gamesmanship.  

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I remain hopeful for a positive response.  

Sincerely,  

Chief Comrade Frank Akiefa,
The Deputy President, Ijaw Youth Council