IYN Debunks Allegations Linking Amnesty Chief to Leaked Document, Calls Detractors ‘Enemies of the Ijaw Nation’

The Ijaw Youth Network (IYN) has expressed strong disapproval of the allegations leveled against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), regarding a purported leak of a confidential document. The IYN, in a statement issued on Saturday by its President, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, condemned the claims as baseless and ridiculous.

The group pointed out that the document in question, referenced by detractors, was released several years ago and had no connection to Dr. Otuaro. This was confirmed by Edmund Ebiwari, one of those arrested and sentenced in relation to the 2010 incident that initially involved the document.

“We are inclined to believe that some disgruntled individuals are attempting to tarnish the image of a leader who has worked hard to reform the PAP and make it more effective,” the statement read. IYN further emphasized that the Niger Delta people are too knowledgeable to be misled by false information.

The group stressed that the accusations, which have been repeatedly recycled by certain individuals, are illogical. “It is absurd to think that the Presidential Amnesty Office, which is not a branch of the Department of State Services (DSS), would be involved in any leak of classified documents,” IYN stated.

In their appeal to security agencies, the IYN urged vigilance over the spreaders of these falsehoods and their activities, adding that Dr. Otuaro should not be distracted by such baseless allegations. According to the group, Dr. Otuaro’s focus on delivering positive results in the PAP should remain undeterred.

The statement concluded by condemning the National Council of Stakeholders Group (NCSG), describing it as a fictitious body established to make unsubstantiated claims against Dr. Otuaro. “The NCSG has recycled baseless accusations, including financial mismanagement and favoritism in scholarship awards, but has never provided any proof,” the IYN noted.

In closing, the IYN praised Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, describing him as the most capable Administrator the PAP has seen. The group called on Niger Deltans to support constructive criticism while rejecting attempts to tear down leaders working in the region’s best interest.