IPF Condemns Reps’ Ultimatum to Dr Otuaro, Cites Witch-Hunt, Selective Attack

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has expressed deep concern over the 72-hour ultimatum issued by the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), threatened arrest over a 2021 audit report.

In a press conference, IPF noted that the allegations relate to a period before Otuaro’s tenure, which began in 2024, and accused the Committee of misleading the public and pursuing a politically motivated agenda.

The forum emphasised that Otuaro has strengthened peace in the Niger Delta, revitalized dialogue mechanisms, and enhanced cooperation among stakeholders, contributing to improved national oil output.

IPF questioned the selective oversight, pointing out that top officials who sympathize with terrorists have not faced similar scrutiny, and accused the House of targeting an Ijaw son who has distinguished himself in national service.

The forum warned that threatening Otuaro’s arrest risks provoking anger and destabilizing the fragile peace in the Niger Delta, posing a direct threat to national security.

IPF called on the House of Representatives to step down its aggressive posture, conduct oversight fairly, and prioritize urgent national issues such as insecurity, hunger, and inflation.

The forum stands firmly with Otuaro, rejecting intimidation, selective justice, and persecution of Ijaw leaders and Niger Delta institutions.

The statement was signed by Comrade Austin Ozobo, National President, and Comrade Tare Magbei, General Secretary, IPF.

The statement read, “The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) express deep concern over the 72 -hour ultimatum issued by the House of Representatives’ Public Accounts Committee (PAC), on Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, alongside threats of issuing a warrant for his arrest, despite the Sections 88, 89, and 128 of the 1999 Constitution empower the National Assembly to conduct oversight functions, we strongly appeal for caution in applying these powers to a programme as delicate as the PAP”.