Oporoza House, a coalition of distinguished elders, leaders, and stakeholders from the Niger Delta, has formally written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to disregard unfounded media attacks against High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The Oporoza House statement, which is coming on the heels of recent campaign of calumny against Dr. Otuaro, is contained in a letter dated March 2, 2025, and that was signed by its members including Mr. Kime Engozu, Elder Kennedy Orubebe, and Felix Tuodolo.

Others who signed the letter include Hendricks Opukeme, Ari Sylvester Ari, Welman Warri, Cooler Hart, Ibiba Don Pedro, Felix Tuodolo, Elfrida Olungwe, Emmanuel Bristol Alagbarigha, Tonbra Kasikoro, Chief Ben Donyegha, Chief David Reje Imole, Rosebella Jackson, Dr Lolo Fubara Sax Hailsham, Comrade Anaye-Kio Akintunde, Alaowei Dr Oyeinfie E. Jonjon, Chief Tina Tobusi, Chief Dan Ekpebide, Madam Primrose Oringeriya-Kpokposei, Arc. Sylvester Adowei and Comrade Morris Alagoa.

The group expressed their concern over a series of baseless allegations aimed at discrediting Dr. Otuaro and the progress of the PAP and described these allegations as a "calculated attempt" to derail the achievements made by the programme, which has been instrumental in promoting peace and development in the region.

The letter contends that the claims of financial misappropriation against Dr. Otuaro are completely unfounded, just as the signatories insisted that all payments made under his administration were legitimate, adhering to federal accounting standards, and intended to bolster stakeholder engagement and regional stability. 

The letter which also copied the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Director General of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, ICPC, added that the Niger Delta people are satisfied with the reforms of the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP.

"It is evident that these malicious allegations stem from ex-agitators who failed to secure appointments as Administrator of the PAP and are now seeking revenge," the letter stated. "Their actions represent a campaign of calumny aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Dr. Otuaro and the program," the group added.

Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, Oporoza House praises the significant reforms introduced to promote transparency and accountability within the PAP. They noted that the reduction of fraudulent activities and illicit patronage has been a major achievement of his administration, allowing for more effective utilization of funds intended for the reintegration of ex-agitators.

"Since taking office, Dr. Otuaro has implemented innovative strategies, including vocational training and economic empowerment initiatives, which have led to an increase in the number of beneficiaries participating in educational programs. Oporoza House encourages the public and all stakeholders to focus on these positive contributions rather than be swayed by detractors," the group added.

The Oporoza House concluded their letter by reiterating their commitment to the goals of the PAP and called for unity among Nigerians in support of the efforts to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region. 

They urged the President to remain steadfast against efforts aimed at undermining the progress attained under Dr. Otuaro’s administration.

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