PAP Reforms Exposing Corrupt Interests – Ex-Agitators

The national chairman of Phase Two of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Ibena Rufus Salvation, has defended the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, and his technical adviser, Edgar Biu Daniel, over allegations of corruption circulating in an online publication, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.

Ibena alleged that the recent media attacks were the handiwork of individuals frustrated by ongoing reforms introduced by the current PAP leadership to block corruption and reposition the programme.

His reaction followed allegations published by a group identified as Niger Delta Watch, which accused the PAP Administrator and his Technical Adviser of financial impropriety and called for a forensic audit of the Amnesty Office.

Responding to the allegations, the ex-agitators’ leader challenged the group and any other individual making corruption claims against the PAP leadership to present credible evidence before relevant anti-corruption agencies or a court of competent jurisdiction instead of relying on media publications.

He alleged that contractors with fake award letters and persons who are not genuine beneficiaries of the programme were behind the campaign against the current management.

Ibena further challenged those behind the allegations to substantiate their claims through lawful channels.

He said, “The administrator has come to restructure and reform the programme to meet the standard as contained in its blueprint and has blocked the loopholes. Therefore, corruption is now fighting back.

“Contractrs who have fake award letters and non-beneficiaries of the programme are using different non-existing platforms to make frivolous and illegal allegations.

“I challenge anyone or any group making allegations not to stop at media publications but to present their allegations with evidence before any competent agency or court.”

The Phase Two chairman maintained that recognised ex-agitator leaders and beneficiaries remained satisfied with the administration of the programme under Otuaro, insisting that the ongoing reforms were already yielding positive results.

According to him, the current educational reintegration programme and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training for critical stakeholders and ex-agitator leaders demonstrate the new direction of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Ibena said genuine beneficiaries would continue to support reforms aimed at strengthening the programme and urged the Administrator and members of his management team, particularly the Technical Adviser, not to be distracted by what he described as sponsored campaigns intended to undermine ongoing reforms.

“I advise the Administrator and his entire team, particularly his dedicated Technical Adviser, not to allow any group or individuals to distract them but to continue their good work. We reaffirm our readiness and unwavering support for the Administrator and his team,” Ibena stated.

He further claimed that the era of diverting beneficiary slots and awarding questionable contracts had come to an end under the present administration.