The national leadership of Advocacy for Peace and Community Development (APCD) has passed a vote of confidence on the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, noting that his leadership has brought respite to the programme and the Niger Delta region.
The group described recent petitions and allegations against Otuaro-led board as frivolous and unfounded, adding that the people of the Niger Delta would not accept unnecessary attack on the PAP administrator.
APCD also frowned at the calculated attacks on the management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) over alleged human rights abuse, describing it as not only unfounded, but deliberate attempts to distract the private security firm from going after crude oil theft in its mandate areas.
Addressing newsmen on Friday in Okpe, Delta State, the national coordinator of the group, Chief Napoleon Iffie, warned those behind the spurious allegations to desist, noting that Dr. Otuaro should be commended for his impactful leadership in the amnesty programme.
Chief Iffie, represented by Convener, APCD Delta State, Priest Benson Otomiewo, stated that those against Tantita’s commendable job in securing oil and gas pipelines and other critical national assets in the country.
Flanked by Secretary of APCD, Hon. Lucky Godspower Ekpiapilo and other executive members of the group, Iffie called on the people of the Niger Delta to support the Amnesty Administrator and the good work Tantita, owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, is doing by tremendously increasing oil production in the country.
He specifically appealed to President Bola Tinubu to disregard what they described as “unfounded allegations and deliberate falsehood” against Dr. Otuaro and Tantita security.
“Dr. Dennis Otuaro, in his role as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, has demonstrated consistent commitment to the mandate of reintegrating ex-agitators and promoting sustainable peace in the Niger Delta region.
“We however taken aback with the recent accusations by certain groups, including ex-agitators, alleged misappropriation of funds, non-inclusiveness and selective administration. As these claims are not only baseless, untrue and malicious, but also appear to be calculated attempts to tarnish the hard earned reputation of Dr Otuaro and derail the ongoing efforts to consolidate peace in the region.
“It is crucial to understand that Dr. Otuaro’s administration has prioritized transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, ensuring that the benefits of the Amnesty Programme reach the intended beneficiaries. The PAP has provided vocational training, educational scholarships and economic empowerment initiatives to thousands of ex-agitators and their dependents, all of which have helped to promote stability and progress in the Niger Delta.
“Furthermore, the allegations of misappropriation are speculative and not grounded in verified evidence. We urge those making these accusations to present concrete proof rather than relying on false narratives to mislead the public. Dr. Otuaro remains committed to his duty and will continue to work for the sustainable peace and development of the Niger Delta”, Iffie stated.
Advocacy for Peace and Community Development, APCD, Chief Napoleon Iffie represented by the Delta State convener of the development interest group, Priest Benson Otomiewo flanked by (3rd from left) Hon. Lucky Ekiapilo Sapilo; Elder Davies Amrevurawire (2nd, right); Comrade Terry Moses (2nd, left); Comrade Daniel Iriri (right) and Mr. Benson Iteke (left) during a press briefing on refutal of allegations against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro and Tantita Security Nigeria Ltd, in Okudiemo Community in Okpe, Delta State at the weekend.
While addressing allegations against Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), the group asserts that, “Similarly, allegations against Tantita Security Nigeria Limited — a key partner in securing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure — are equally misleading. Tantita has played a pivotal role in curbing oil theft, protecting national assets, and boosting government revenue. The claim that Tantita receives ₦40 billion monthly for its pipeline surveillance operations is false. The actual contract awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in August 2022 can be verified by all at NNPCL website.
“It is an established truth that Tantita Security Services is over stretched, as they carry out both land and coastal security, even beyond the official mandate and scope of work.
“Reports of human rights violations attributed to Tantita are unverified and have been discredited by various independent fact-finding committees. These allegations are often propagated by those who stand to lose from the progress made in combating oil theft.
“It is evident that certain individuals and groups who previously exploited Nigeria’s resources for personal gain are uncomfortable with the impactful measures implemented by Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s leadership of the Amnesty Programme and the collaborative efforts of Tantita in securing national assets. Their tactics—using false accusations and orchestrated protests—are meant to create confusion, disrupt stability, and undermine credible efforts toward development.”
The group, however, pledged its continued support and unwavering commitment to the success of the amnesty programme under the leadership of Dr. Otuaro as well as laudable job Tantita is doing to better the Nigerian economy and President Tinubu’s administration.
