Phase 3 Amnesty Nat’l Chairman Ogidigba Accuses Enemies of Planning Protest Against Dr Otuaro

By Monday Peters ,Abuja

• Warns them to desist from it.

The National Chairman of Phase 3 Amnesty Programme, Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba, has issued a statement appealing to delegates not to be deceived into protesting against the Amnesty Office.

According to Ogidigba, individuals who hijacked and derailed the programme during the Buhari administration are mobilizing protests to regain control. He alleged these individuals diverted funds, suspended training programmes, and siphoned resources meant for delegates.

The statement praised Administrator Chief Dennis Otuaro for reviving the programme, ensuring transparency and accountability. Ogidigba urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and the public to disregard the protests, saying they are driven by personal gain.

According to him, genuine concerns, such as stipend increments and programme improvements, should be addressed through dialogue, not protest. Ogidigba called for a roundtable discussion to resolve issues constructively.

The statement reads,
“I, Ogidigba Godstime Ogidigba, National Chairman of Phase 3 Amnesty Programme, use this medium to advise and sincerely appeal to our respected delegates not to be deceived or manipulated into protesting against the Amnesty Office for hidden personal agendas.

“The individuals currently mobilizing for protest are the same persons who hijacked and derailed the Amnesty Programme during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

“For eight years, these leaders allegedly:
Diverted funds meant for leadership development, vocational training, empowerment, and scholarship programmes.
Used their influence and connections with interim administrators to siphon resources meant for delegates.

“Suspended training programmes.
Stopped both local and international scholarship opportunities.
Returned unutilized funds to the Federation Account instead of applying them to programme beneficiaries.

“Diverted large sums under the guise of PACOSOL loans.
Allegedly concealed ₦1.5 billion in Providus Bank at the end of their administration in 2023.
These actions severely affected the growth and progress of the Amnesty Programme.

“Revival of the Amnesty Programme.
The programme witnessed significant revival when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, appointed Chief Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Amnesty Programme.

“Chief Dennis Otuaro, being a product of the struggle, has:

Retrieved the programme from those who hijacked it.

Repositioned it towards transparency and accountability.

Redirected funds to their rightful purposes.

“Ensured that the programme benefits actual delegates rather than private individuals.
Naturally, those who benefited from the old system are displeased because it is no longer “business as usual.”

“Clarification on the Proposed Protest
The current mobilization of youths against the Amnesty Office is, therefore, driven by individuals who seek to regain control of the programme for personal gain.

On this basis, I call on
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser to the President

“All relevant security agencies
to disregard any organized protest orchestrated by these individuals against the Amnesty Office.
Within just two years, Chief Dennis Otuaro has performed beyond expectations, and records are available for public verification

“The Way Forward

While there may be genuine concerns, such as:

* Increment of monthly stipends

* House allowance

* General improvement of the programme

These matters should be resolved through dialogue, not protest.

“I therefore humbly appeal that all aggrieved leaders channel their concerns to a roundtable discussion in Oporoza, where our Apex Leaders can collectively address these issues constructively.

“Protest should not be our immediate option. It must remain the last option after all peaceful dialogue mechanisms have been exhausted.

“Let us protect the integrity of the Amnesty Programme and ensure it continues to serve its true purpose, empowerment, development, and sustainable peace.
Protest is not an option for now. Dialogue is the way forward”.