The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has stated that Mr Jude Gbaboyor, who was dismissed from the PAP due to his unacceptable conduct some years back, and is allegedly circulating a video on Facebook purportedly recorded in the United States containing grave and unfounded accusations against the PAP Administrator, High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, including claims of murder, ritualism and kidnapping, is a fugitive from justice.

The PAP in a statement released on Monday by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, dismissed as baseless and malicious the recent allegations made by Mr Gbaboyor against the Administrator of the Programme.

According to the PAP, the video in which he called for the Administrator's removal, represents yet another desperate attempt by Gbaboyor to defame Otuaro's character and undermine the credible work of the Programme for selfish interest.

The statement further added that Gbaboyor, now a fugitive, committed the crimes of cyberstalking among others and decided to flee the country to evade arrest and prosecution, and as such he should be discountenanced by the reading public.

‘’This is not the first time Gbaboyor has made outrageous and unsubstantiated claims against the PAP boss. His persistent campaign of calumny prompted the PAP Administrator to formally petition relevant security agencies, citing cyberstalking and criminal intimidation.

“When invited by the Nigeria Police Force to answer questions regarding these spurious allegations, Gbaboyor fled the country, effectively making himself a fugitive from justice.

‘’It is instructive to note that Gbaboyor's relentless attacks on Dr Otuaro began only after the Administrator rejected his request for reinstatement at the Amnesty Office, from which he was previously dismissed several years ago due to his lack of character.

“Having failed to ingratiate himself with the PAP leadership and secure reemployment through proper channels, Gbaboyor has resorted to character assassination and the dissemination of false information.

‘’Particularly troubling is Gbaboyor's appeal to the President of the United States to interfere in what is purely a personal matter under local jurisdiction. This represents a profound insult to Nigeria's sovereignty and a misguided attempt to internationalise personal grievances."

The PAP challenged Gbaboyor to summon the courage to return home to substantiate his claims, while it stated that the PAP Boss remains committed to fulfill the mandate of deepening the peace in the Niger Delta as Otuaro will not be distracted.

‘’The Presidential Amnesty Programme urges members of the public to disregard these irresponsible acts and baseless allegations in their entirety. If Gbaboyor genuinely believes in the veracity of his claims, he should demonstrate the courage of his convictions by returning to Nigeria to substantiate them before the appropriate authorities and courts of law.

‘’Instead, his flight from lawful police invitation and subsequent attacks from abroad reveal the true nature of his campaign: a calculated effort to malign a public servant from the safety of foreign shores, beyond the immediate reach of Nigerian law enforcement.

‘’Under Dr Dennis Otuaro's leadership, the Presidential Amnesty Programme has remained focused on its mandate of fostering sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta region. The Programme will not be distracted by spurious allegations from misguided and individuals pursuing personal vendettas.

‘’The Presidential Amnesty Programme reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law and will continue to pursue all legal remedies available to protect the integrity and reputation of the Administrator and the agency," the statement affirmed. 

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