From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Interim Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme(PAP), Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu(rtd) has debunked what it called “a vexatious report” which claimed that he has declared prominent ex-militant leaders wanted over financial infractions.
Those the report claimed were declared wanted include HRM Ateke Michael Tom, Government Ekpemopolo aka Tompolo, The Young Shall Grow, Pastor Reuben, Victor Ben Ebikabowei aka Boyloaf, Harry Tonye Ikemenjeme, Farah Dagogo, Abraham Ingobere and Comrade Joseph Evah.
A statement by Special Assistant, Media, to Gen. Ndiomu, Mr Thomas Peretu stated that the PAP needed to set the records straight in the interest of peace, harmony and concord.
He maintained that Ndiomu enjoys an excellent relationship with the ex-militant leaders adding that efforts to fracture that friendship will end in futility.
Peretu who implored the public to disregard the report however insisted that Ndiomu would not be intimidated over his mission to sanitize the Amnesty Programme.
“It is necessary at this juncture to reiterate the fact that the Interim Administrator will not be cowed nor intimidated by these charlatans who are uncomfortable and disoriented by the concerted efforts being made to sanitize the system in line with international best practises.
“Instead, General Ndiomu remains resolute, forthright and unwavering in his commitment to the ideals of the amnesty programme. And no amount of campaign of calumny will dwarf his sterling leadership qualities.
“More importantly, General Ndiomu is in the verge of setting a new agenda, a new plausible narrative that fits the temperament of the Niger Delta region”
Meanwhile Ndiomu has expressed the willingness to pay stipends to all genuinely verified delegates whose names were inadvertently omitted for the month of October and November 2022.
General Ndiomu in a public announcement stated that the details of the verification exercises which will take place at various locations in the Niger Delta region will be announced in due course.
He explained that the PAP under his watch is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability in the interest of the ex-agitators and stakeholders.
The verification exercises, he assured, will help to clean up its database adding that the present verification is not meant to witch-hunt any beneficiary or group of persons.
He has called for maximum cooperation from the ex-agitators and stakeholders so that management will deliver on its mandate to the people.