The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called for the extension of the tenure of the interim administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd).
MOSIEND made the call in a letter addressed to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd), a copy of which was made available to LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The letter was jointly signed by the group’s National President and National Secretary, Ambassador Kennedy Tonjo West and Amain Winston Cottrell, respectively.
The group expressed the hope that if Ndiomu’s tenure is extended, he will achieve a lot more in the scorecard, given his passion for development and promotion of the ideals of the office.
The letter reads in part: “I write on behalf of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) firstly to thank you for your commitment to the security, peace and prosperity of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
“We recalled that you approved a six month first lap appointment of Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (Rtd) as the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The first six months approved was for him to showcase his capacity and ability to manage the programme.
“This is winding down, hence we respectfully appeal that you kindly approve an extension for him to continue haven made a big difference within this short period of time.
“Our resolve to approach your esteemed office in this regard is due largely to our assessment of his performance within the few months in office, some of which are professionalizing the program, sanitization of the data base of beneficiaries, addressing financial irregularities and shortchanging of genuine beneficiaries, prompt payment of stipends, etc.
“We note also, his vigorous and robust engagement with government and non
governmental agencies to achieve the targets of his office including creation of employment opportunities which is the core mandate of the reintegration phase of the Programme.
“We are hopeful that if Maj. Gen Ndiomu is giving an extension, he will achieve a lot more in the score card, given his passion for development and promotion of the ideals of the office.
“Appointing a new coordinator at this point in time will be a setback to the trajectory already set. For now Gen Ndiomu (rtd) has shown that he is a round peg in a round hole.
“A lot of achievements are ascribed to Gen Barry Ndiumo’s administration, the Amnesty Corporative Scheme which novel , in terms of access to funds for entrepreneurs in the Programme, aggressive job placement approach to engage the thousands of trained beneficiaries roaming the street thereby defeating the core essence of reintegration phase of the Programme.
“Coupled with the prompt payment of stipends for beneficiaries, some irregularities associated with account have been rectified, though in the cause of it’s ratification, some have genuine cases of error, those cases are duly sorted out from the office.
“Finally, we wish to thank the National Security Adviser for giving keen attention to the people of the Niger Delta and all Nigerians through your wealth of experience and the sacrificing of countless sleep hours. We do not take it for granted.”
