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Niger Delta leaders and coordinators of Phase One Ex-agitators have condemned allegations against Dr Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), regarding a supposed leaked document about former President Goodluck Jonathan.
At a recent meeting in Port Harcourt, the ex-agitators voiced their concern over attacks on Otuaro and reaffirmed their support for him, calling the accusations baseless.
The controversy began when a video surfaced on social media, shared by one Jude Gbaboyor, claiming Otuaro had leaked a confidential document from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Ex-agitator leader, HRH Henry Binidodogha, also known as General Egbeme, signed a communique on behalf of the group, firmly rejecting the claims.
“It is our collective conviction that Jude Gbaboyor’s allegations, including the one bordering on leaked DSS documents, are unfounded, untenable, and unwarranted,” the communique stated.
The leaders emphasised that Otuaro’s role does not involve handling DSS documents, distancing the PAP from such allegations.
“The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme does not work with the DSS. He, therefore, cannot be accused by Jude Gbaboyor of causing the purported document to be published.”
The ex-agitators also argued that the DSS, known for its strong investigative capacity, would not require external help in handling sensitive documents. They criticised Gbaboyor’s actions as an attempt to malign Otuaro and hinder his responsibilities.
Highlighting Otuaro’s contributions, the leaders commended his achievements over the past eight months, noting that his reforms have fostered peace and development in the Niger Delta. They also thanked President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for their support and urged them to continue backing Otuaro.
The communique concluded with a call for peace, urging detractors to halt activities that could harm regional stability, and to support Otuaro’s efforts in advancing the objectives of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the Niger Delta.