NationalN’Delta Coalition Backs Otuaro’s Reforms, Accuses Top Brass Ex-agitator For Sponsoring Blackmail
A coalition of Niger Delta peace advocates and development stakeholders has thrown its weight behind the ongoing reforms in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), while rejecting calls for an upward review of the monthly ₦65,000 stipend paid to beneficiaries.
The position was made known during a joint press briefing held at the Arogbo Civil Centre in Arogbo, Ondo State, where the coalition accused some self-acclaimed ex-agitators of allegedly using payment delays to incite protests and blackmail the Federal Government.
The coalition argued that the Presidential Amnesty Programme was established as a temporary Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDR) initiative and not as a permanent welfare scheme.
According to the group, the monthly stipend was intended to serve as a transitional allowance rather than a lifetime entitlement, insisting that demands for an increase are inconsistent with the programme’s original objectives.
The report was signed by Comr. Utanghan Ebikontei, Convener Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Sustainable Development, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Zeblon,Representing the Coalition of Concerned Niger Delta Mothers & Widows and Mr. Ajaye K. Clement, Coordinator Niger Delta Reintegration and Peace Initiative.
Commending the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the coalition said his administration has redirected the programme towards education and human capital development. It claimed that thousands of Niger Delta youths have secured admission into tertiary institutions within Nigeria under PAP sponsorship, while hundreds are pursuing postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, describing the educational investments as evidence of a renewed commitment to sustainable development.
The coalition also passed a vote of confidence on Otuaro’s leadership, pledging continued support for his reforms. It alleged that certain individuals were sponsoring campaigns aimed at discrediting the PAP administration and frustrating its reform agenda.
In the briefing, the coalition made a series of allegations against former militant leader Victor Ebikabowei Ben, popularly known as Boyloaf, as well as Jude Gbaboyor and Daniel Ezekiel. It alleged that Boyloaf had benefited from payments linked to “ghost names” under the programme and accused Jude Gbaboyor and Daniel Ezekiel of allegedly promoting campaigns intended to undermine the PAP leadership. The coalition called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action against anyone found to be inciting violence or threatening public peace.
The group concluded by urging stakeholders across the Niger Delta to support reforms that prioritize education, skills acquisition and sustainable empowerment over prolonged dependence on monthly stipends. It maintained that lasting peace and development in the region would be achieved through investments in human capital rather than continued cash disbursements.
The press statement read, “For too long, a loud, highly toxic, and parasitic minority of self-styled “ex-agitators” and hired political mercenaries have held the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) hostage. They have transformed minor, routine administrative bank delays into weapons of mass blackmail issuing threats, blocking public roads, and insulting the leadership of the PAP simply because their 65,000 monthly stipends did not drop on their preferred hour.
“Today, as a united coalition of Niger Delta peace advocates, regional elders, and development experts, we declare: THE ERA OF BLACKMAIL IS DEAD. We are drawing a line in the sand. We are prepared to wage a total intellectual, social, and legal war against the merchants of chaos who want to drag our region back to the dark ages of blood, violence, and economic dependency.
The report alleged, “Victor Ebikabowei Ben (Boyloaf) alone has been collecting a staggering 113 Million Naira MONTHLY from the Presidential Amnesty Programme! Over the last 28 months under this arrangement, Boyloaf has pocketed a mind-blowing total sum of 3.164 Billion Naira to date.( March, 2024 to date)
Let us ask the critical question: Where is this money going?
“These billions are being collected for GHOST NAMES allotted directly to Victor Ebikabowei Ben. This is a monumental, systematic heist of public funds meant for actual, suffering Niger Delta youth! It is time to completely stop Boyloaf and his parasitic troops now.
“We issue a severe, final warning to a notorious political thug and media mercenary named Daniel Ezekiel (often operating under the alias Regina Ezekiel). This individual is being heavily funded by greedy, disgruntled politicians who want to hold the Niger Delta hostage. Daniel Ezekiel uses his social media platforms to insult, blackmail, and defame Niger Delta leaders.
“Let the public know the truth: Daniel Ezekiel is NOT a registered beneficiary of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP)! He has never been a part of the genuine Niger Delta struggle. He is a hired internet assassin, a blackmailer for hire, and we are calling on national security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute him for incitement, fraud, and impersonation” it added.
