Former Niger Delta agitators totaling 183 have initiated legal proceedings against the Nigerian government over allegations of unpaid entitlements under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

Led by their counsel, Regina Okotie-Eboh, the ex-militants filed 17 separate suits before Justice James Omotosho, addressing the cessation of their monthly allowances.

One of the plaintiffs, Benneth Ofeyena, emphasized his entitlement to a monthly stipend of N65, 000 as a beneficiary of Phase 2 of the PAP as initiated in 2009 by the Federal Government following a truce with the ex-agitators.

Ofeyena demanded redress for the stoppage of his stipend from October 2012 to date, seeking a total sum of N8, 255,000 for the period and continued payments thereafter.

Echoing Ofeyena’s sentiments, the other 16 plaintiffs, including Oyemo Ezi, Suru Michael, and Albert Tamaraudouye, decried the abrupt halt in paying them despite the substantial annual budget allocated to the amnesty program by the Federal Government, exceeding N60 billion.

At the initial proceedings, Ofeyena testified as the sole prosecution witness, presenting crucial documents to support their claims.

Justice Omotosho admitted the evidence, marking them as exhibits for further scrutiny.

The defense, represented by Babatunde Alajogun and Maimuna Lami-Shehu, cross-examined Ofeyena before the judge adjourned the case until May 6, allowing time for the defense to present their case.

The recent appointment of Dr. Dennis Otuaro as the new administrator of the PAP, succeeding Maj-Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd.), adds a new dimension to the ongoing legal battle.

Ndiomu had served as the interim administrator since September 2022, and Otuaro’s appointment comes amid escalating tension regarding the non-payment of entitlements to former agitators. (Leadership.ng)