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– Debunk reports of hijack of N320m in Bayelsa
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ex-agitators of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, have dismissed reports of plans to shut-down the Utorogu gas plant.
They also declared that no ex – agitator under any guise, nomenclature or auspices hijacked the sum of N320 million in Bayelsa or any other State of the Niger Delta connected or related to the programme as alleged in some quarters.
The ex-agitators in a statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State by national chairman of Phase 2 Amnesty Forum, Gen. Olotu Wanemi, Secretary, Gen, Clement Wodo, and national spokesman, Gen. Ibena Salvation, they called on security agencies not to treat the threat of shutting down Utorogu Gas Plant with kid gloves, adding that the authors should be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.
They expressed displeasure that some self- acclaimed ex-militants not known to any of the strata within the PAP leadership structure would rush to the press to spread baseless and unfounded stories just to suit their inordinate desires.
While commending the interim administrator of the programme, Major- General Barry Tariye Ndiomu for his transparency in dealing with ex-agitators, they urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reappoint him to sustain the tempo of a rejuvenated amnesty programme.
The statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication by some self-appointed Chairmen of the Phase 2 Ex – Agitators Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, allegedly from Delta, Edo and Bayelsa States with a caption, N’ Delta Ex – militants petition FG, threaten to shutdown Utorogu Gas Plant over alleged hijack of N320m,’.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Presidential Amnesty Initiative has a well – structured leadership organogram. From Phase 1 to Phase 3 have their respective leadership structure that is recognised by the PAP office and the Interim Administrator, Maj – Gen. Barry Ndiomu, retd, deals with the respective leadership of the various Phases with respect, candour, humility and a high sense of responsibility.
“We urge the security and intelligence community not to treat the threat of shutting down Utorogu Gas Plant in Ughelli, Delta State with kid gloves. The Security agencies should be swift in identifying and apprehending them, and let the full weight of the law descend heavily on these ugly characters who are infamous for destructive and diabolic activities against the Nigerian State.
“We can proudly say and without sounding immodest, that the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, under Maj. -Gen. Barry Ndiomu, retd, is enjoying a new lease of life and with a breath of fresh air. Genuine ex – agitators and beneficiaries of the PAP initiative are happy with the present Interim Administrator and we urge President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu to appoint the Interim Administrator as the substantive Amnesty Boss to consolidate on his excellent strides in the PAP office.”
