Amnesty Chairman Dismisses Marginalisation Claims, Urges Verification

The national chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase II, Ibena Rufus Salvation, has dismissed claims by some First Phase leaders that they were being marginalised under the current administration of the programme.

Reacting to a publication by a coalition of First Phase leaders, Ibena said the allegation of marginalisation does not reflect the reality of what is happening in the Amnesty office, insisting that the administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has treated all beneficiaries fairly.

“Is Ateke Tom marginalised? Is Tompolo marginalised? Is Ogumbos marginalised? What exactly do they mean by marginalisation?” Ibena asked, stressing that marginalisation implies being sidelined, underpaid or deliberately deprived, which he said does not apply to the current PAP leadership.

He explained that the recent increase in the PAP budget from N65 billion to N115 billion should not be misinterpreted, noting that the increment was not meant for stipend payments but for empowerment, reintegration, vocational training and scholarship programmes.

“The budget increment has nothing to do with stipends. Stipend was never part of what was presented to the National Assembly. What was captured is reintegration, empowerment, inclusivity and accommodation,” he said.

Ibena added that if any genuine First Phase leader feels aggrieved, the right approach is to formally write to the PAP office rather than resort to public accusations, noting that the programme has clear channels for resolving complaints.

“If you have any issues, especially with stipend payment, it is your responsibility to write officially to the office.

The Peace Building Unit will invite you and your members, and the matter will be resolved,” he stated.

He further advised camp leaders who allege marginalisation to visit the Amnesty office peacefully for verification, stating that the ongoing reforms require proper identification of genuine leaders and beneficiaries.

“I am advising the administrator to invite those camp leaders who are crying marginalisation for verification. If you are genuine, your issue will be addressed in the usual transparent way,” Ibena said.

The Phase II chairman maintained that the PAP Administrator does not discriminate based on phase, state or ethnic background, stressing that beneficiaries from Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and other states are treated equally.

“He doesn’t segregate. Whether you are first phase, second phase or third phase, once you are a genuine leader or beneficiary, you will get what is due to you,” he added.

Ibena warned beneficiaries against what he described as misinformation and misinterpretation of the operations of the Amnesty office, urging them to stop “beating around the bush” and instead channel their grievances through the appropriate units.

“The office is open for peace and for everyone. But illegal issues will not be tolerated. Once your matter is genuine and properly presented, it will be resolved,” he said, calling on all stakeholders to support reforms that would strengthen peace and stability in the Niger Delta.