On Wednesday, a large group of protesters gathered at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, blocking the entrances and demanding immediate action from lawmakers....Read Full Article >>➤
The demonstrators, consisting of men, women, and youths, called on the legislative body to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into suspending Chief Dennis Otuaro, the coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
Their grievances stem from allegations of nepotism, favoritism, and financial misconduct within the amnesty program, which was initially designed to foster peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta region.
The protest, which lasted for several hours, saw the aggrieved individuals carrying banners and placards with various inscriptions that condemned the leadership of PAP. They argued that the delay in addressing the matter could potentially lead to the destruction of crucial evidence or interference with an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to them, any further procrastination might allow those responsible for financial misappropriation within PAP to cover their tracks and evade justice.
Operating under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex- Agitators Forum (NDLEF), the protesters expressed deep frustration over what they described as a blatant abuse of power by Chief Dennis Otuaro. They emphasized that the very individuals tasked with promoting development and stability in the region have instead become obstacles to progress, turning what was supposed to be an interventionist agency into a conduit for siphoning public funds.
Protesters STORM National Assembly Complex, Block ENTRANCES Over
” The company has been used to launder public funds, receiving government contracts without undergoing the necessary bidding process, ” Otunu alleged. ” It is shocking that a firm registered for construction is being handed consultancy contracts, an area outside its legal mandate.
A simple CAC search shows that the company is inactive and, therefore, not eligible to bid for government contracts. Yet, billions of naira have been funneled into this inactive company under the guise of organizing fictitious stakeholder meetings. ”
The protesters insisted that the only way to ensure a fair and thorough investigation is through the immediate suspension of Chief Dennis Otuaro. They argued that allowing him to remain in office while the EFCC conducts its probe could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
In a statement directed at the President and relevant authorities, the NDLEF reaffirmed its trust in Tinubu’ s leadership and his commitment to transparency and accountability. ” We firmly believe that President Tinubu will do the right thing by suspending Dr. Otuaro so that investigators can carry out their duties without any form of interference. We are confident that his government stands for fiscal responsibility and governance accountability, ” Otunu added.
The protesters further urged President Tinubu to consolidate his administration’ s commitment to fighting corruption by instructing all relevant anti- graft agencies to scrutinize the financial dealings within the Presidential Amnesty Programme. They argued that failure to act swiftly could send the wrong signal and embolden other public officials to engage in similar acts of misconduct.
In conclusion, the demonstrators vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met. They emphasized that the Niger Delta region has suffered too long from neglect and corruption, and they are determined to ensure that the Presidential Amnesty Programme serves its intended purpose rather than being exploited for personal gain.
Their peaceful demonstration serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform within government agencies tasked with driving national development. ...Read Full Article >>➤
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