The Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition has strongly accused Kingsley Kuku, former administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), along with other former militant leaders, of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at discrediting Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the current administrator of the programme, and Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, the CEO of Tantita Security Services.
In a statement issued by the coalition’s spokesman, Comrade Abalagha Adawari, the group claims that Kuku and his associates, including High Chief Bibopre Ajube (also known as General Shoot at Sight) and Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben (better known as Gen. Boyloaf), have been behind a series of malicious media attacks designed to destabilize the peace efforts in the Niger Delta. According to the coalition, these actions are aimed at undermining Dr. Otuaro’s leadership as he implements crucial reforms within the PAP.
The group’s allegations follow a public statement made by Kuku, through the Niger-Delta Youths Alliance, where he praised his own tenure as the PAP administrator and criticized the performance of his successors. Kuku’s statement suggested that no subsequent administrators had matched his accomplishments in empowering thousands of youths, women, and children in the region.
However, the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition has rejected these claims, asserting that Kuku’s tenure, despite any perceived accomplishments, was marked by significant challenges. “Kingsley Kuku and his group cannot rewrite history,” the coalition stated, questioning Kuku’s ability to boast about his achievements when under his leadership, oil production in the region dropped to an all-time low of less than a million barrels per day. “How can a man who superintended the worst era of oil production have the effrontery to talk about achievements?” the coalition added.
The coalition strongly defended Dr. Otuaro, highlighting the significant strides he has made in reforming the PAP since taking over its administration. Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, they noted, the programme has undergone a transformation, with a renewed focus on increasing Nigeria’s oil production, which aims to reach two million barrels per day. The coalition praised Dr. Otuaro’s efforts to eradicate corruption and inefficiencies that plagued the programme under previous leadership.
A key aspect of these reforms, according to the coalition, has been the establishment of a task force that includes multiple anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Security Adviser’s office (ONSA), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NIFU). The task force is charged with ensuring accountability in the disbursement of funds, a move the coalition believes is vital in restoring the integrity of the programme.
The Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition also expressed its strong support for Government Tompolo, who the group believes is being unfairly targeted by Kuku and other former militants. The coalition praised Tompolo for his role in building a successful business, Tantita Security Services, which has provided jobs and empowerment for many youths in the region. The group argued that while Tompolo has used his influence to create a positive impact through his private company, some of the former militants continue to cause disruption in the region without contributing to its progress.
The coalition further accused Kuku and his associates of being jealous of Tompolo’s achievements. They emphasized that while Tompolo has focused on sustainable business practices that empower local communities, others continue to fuel unrest and political instability in the region. “While Tompolo has built something for himself and empowered many Niger Delta youths, some of the agitators have nothing to show for it except trying to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the Niger Delta,” the coalition stated.
The coalition also responded to claims from former militants who have argued that they are owed payments for contracts they completed under the amnesty programme. The group urged those with legitimate claims to come forward with verifiable evidence, assuring that all valid requests would be thoroughly investigated. They emphasized that the era of fraudulent contract submissions was over, and that the current administration was committed to ensuring transparency and accountability.
Dr. Otuaro’s efforts to reform the Amnesty Programme are aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision for rehabilitating ex-militants and creating sustainable job opportunities for the youth in the Niger Delta. The coalition highlighted that the President’s agenda is aimed at poverty alleviation, and Dr. Otuaro is playing a key role in supporting this vision through the PAP’s transformation.
In support of these efforts, the coalition pointed out that in the past year alone, 2,500 ex-agitators had successfully graduated from the programme and were deployed to various sectors, helping to positively impact the Niger Delta region. This, the coalition noted, was a testament to Dr. Otuaro’s commitment to creating lasting change and providing opportunities for young people who had once been involved in militant activities.
