We Will Not Succumb to Blackmail by Fraudsters – Otuaro; Reaffirms Commitment to BVN Policy
Insists BVN Policy Must Be Upheld, Says Reforms Target Fraudulent Practices
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has condemned what it described as a campaign of blackmail and calumny against its Administrator, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, over the programme’s decision to enforce the Federal Government’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, the Office accused some individuals in the Niger Delta of sponsoring false allegations to undermine Dr. Otuaro’s leadership and distract him from executing his mandate.
The PAP maintained that it would not succumb to pressure or blackmail from individuals allegedly opposed to its reforms, particularly measures aimed at sanitising the programme and preventing fraudulent financial practices.
The Office stressed that the BVN policy, which links individuals’ bank accounts to their verified identities, is a Federal Government policy that must be upheld by all relevant institutions, including the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
According to the statement, individuals criticising the enforcement of the policy should reconsider their position, insisting that the reforms are necessary to promote transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
The PAP further alleged that some of its critics were unhappy with Dr. Otuaro’s refusal to approve questionable contracts and payments beyond what is statutorily due to them.
Highlighting the achievements of the current administration, the Office disclosed that Dr. Otuaro had facilitated over 13,300 onshore and more than 500 offshore scholarship opportunities for beneficiaries, alongside the distribution of laptops to support their academic pursuits.
It also highlighted the prompt payment of monthly stipends to ex-agitators, the employment of four trained cadet pilots and 20 other aviation trainees, as well as the engagement of 40 cadets in on-the-job training.
Additionally, the statement disclosed that 98 maritime cadets had received professional certification, while more than 360 stakeholders had undergone training in alternative dispute resolution and mediation.
The PAP noted that the Administrator had also intensified stakeholder engagement and peace-building initiatives to strengthen stability, security and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
Reaffirming its position, the Office declared that funds allocated to the programme would be deployed efficiently towards educational and vocational empowerment, human capital development and the advancement of lasting peace in the region.
The PAP also expressed appreciation to stakeholders and leaders across the Niger Delta for their continued support for Dr. Otuaro’s leadership and vision for sustainable peace, socio-economic growth and community development.
The Office maintained that it would not be intimidated into abandoning reforms designed to promote accountability and ensure that resources meant for the development of Niger Delta youths are utilised for their intended purposes.