Defunct NDLF Disowns petition against Otuaro, passes vote of confidence, alleges impersonation

Members of the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) have formally disowned a petition submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro.

In a disclaimer letter addressed to the Chairman of the ICPC dated September 25, 2026, and signed by Gen. Peter Ayaka Doloebiowei, aka Peter Bighead, former Deputy Leader of the group, Marvin Kipu, Ayakeme Prapra, Igane Enekorogha, Selesegha Gbon, Osoh Pius, Commander Adobu Ozidi, Owerre Pigha, Gingin Kulala, Morris Musa, and James Okunduopagha, the NDLF described the petition as false, unauthorized and a clear case of impersonation.

The controversial petition, which purportedly emanated from the NDLF and was authored by one Com. Akpos Owei-Keme who claimed to be Secretary of the group, had accused Dr. Otuaro of alleged corrupt practices, procurement irregularities, abuse of office and mismanagement of public resources, including an alleged N50 billion contract.

Reacting, the NDLF stated unequivocally that it had no knowledge of the document and did not authorize its preparation, circulation or submission.

According to the statement: "We, the undersigned, bonafide members of the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF), wish to clearly state that we have no knowledge of, or have not authorized, endorsed, or participated in the preparation, circulation or submission of any petition, particularly the one whereupon Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro of the Presidential Amnesty Programme is made the subject of complaint falsely in the name of NDLF."

The group noted that as frontline agitators whose struggle contributed to the birth of the Amnesty Programme, it would not turn around to malign one of its own through a faceless petition.

"If there are issues between us, we are capable of directly taking up such matters with the PAP Coordinator and not cowardly go through this route," the statement added.

The defunct militant group further disclosed that its internal checks revealed that the said Com. Akpos Owei-Keme is not a member of the NDLF, let alone its Secretary, and called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate and apprehend him for alleged impersonation.

While passing a vote of confidence on the PAP boss, the group testified that since Dr. Otuaro assumed leadership of the programme, its members have been receiving their monthly stipends and other benefits as and when due.

"We therefore have no reason to falsely malign him than praise him for the good work he is doing as the Coordinator of the PAP. We accordingly use this opportunity to PASS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE on him for his exceptional leadership," the letter stated.

The NDLF urged the ICPC to discountenance, shred and trash the said petition, stressing that any document purporting to represent its official position without prior authorization should not be regarded as an official communication from the group.