The new interim administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj. Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd) has assured former Niger Delta agitators that the federal government would fulfill its commitment to them regarding the ongoing amnesty programme.
Maj. Gen. Idiomu gave the hint on Friday when he visited the Amayanabo of Ancient Okochiri Kingdom, HRM Ateke Michael Tom (JP), (the Sekuro of Niger Delta) in his palace at Okochiri town, in Okirika local government area of Rivers State.
According to a statement by his media office, he said the federal government would continue to count on the support and wisdom of the traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region in conducting the affairs of the presidential programme.
The interim administrator said the purpose of his visit was to acquaint the king with the general policy-direction of the federal government as regards the Presidential Amnesty Programme and to explore areas of cooperation to achieve the primary objectives of the programme.
He said the federal government intends to transform the Presidential Amnesty Programme into something better in the future.
Maj. Gen Idiomu who earlier had a closed-door meeting with HRM King Ateke Tom in his palace before briefing newsmen at Okochiri, promised to take back the various observations and concerns earlier expressed by King Ateke Tom and stakeholders in the region concerning the ongoing amnesty programme to the appropriate authorities.
“We will go back to the authorities and let them know the reactions, but generally, the king is satisfied and he is ready to work with us to ensure that the intentions of the government concerning the programme were fully actualised.
“The whole idea is to get them (ex-agitators) to understand the fact that first, the Presidential Amnesty Programme itself by name, is not intended to be an endless exercise.
“Originally you can recall that the programme was to terminate in 2015 but for certain reasons of exigencies, it was extended beyond that date.
“We need to also educate them (ex-agitators) on the need to focus more on the fact that there could be a terminal date at some point and that we all need to work together so that we do not lose focus on the primary objectives of the scheme.
“I’d like to thank His Royal Majesty for this very warm reception. It is going to remain in our memories for a very long time. Thank you also for conducting us around your very beautiful Palace. Probably, the most beautiful Palace in Nigeria.
“Your Majesty, today begins a new relationship between your good self and the Presidential Amnesty Programme. We will continue to count on your support and wisdom in conducting our affairs going forward.
“We have discussed several issues. We have also noted the reservations that you have expressed, which we in turn will work with and relay back to the appropriate authorities so that those fears you expressed can be addressed,” he said.
Responding, King Ateke Tom assured the interim administrator of his maximum support to the federal government to ensure that the amnesty programme succeeds.
“Tell Mr President that the Niger Delta people are peace-loving people and that we are going to support Nigeria to succeed,” King Ateke Tom added.
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a plaque to King Ateke Tom by Maj. Gen. Idiomu (rtd).
The interim administrator was accompanied on the visit by his aides.
