A group on the aegis of Niger Delta Advocate for Peace, Good Governance and Anti Corruption Network, has distance itself from protest at the National Assembly, Abuja by some ex-militants against the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP),Maj Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd).
According to the group,the protesters are among those currently under investigation by the office of the National Security Adviser over alleged role on the issue of multiple accounts tied to one Bank Verification Number (BVN), which is a fraudulent and financial crime punishable under the law.
The group national coordinator, Gen. FiaweiI Pathfinder said this at an emergency meeting with the Deputy National Coordinator, Comrade Bekes Apere and National Secretary, Sir AK Peters.
According to a statement signed by Pathfinder and made available to journalists in Benin, the group said the protest was staged managed and fueled by enemies of the Presidential Amnesty Programme who are bent on frustrating the good work of the Interim Administrator.
“As ex militants leaders, stakeholders and advocate for the group, who are watchdogs and closely monitor the activities of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, NDDC and other federal agencies initiated by the federal government in the region, we cannot fold our hands and allow fraudulent practices that have kept the programme to a standstill in the region”
The group accused some corrupt prominent politicians from Bayelsa State of sponsoring the protest and to discredit the good works of the PAP Interim Administrator, who had embarked on a journey to resposition, sanitize and transform the programme for effective service delivery.
“Their intention was to take over the PAP office in order to siphon funds for their selfish interest and use same to fund their governorship ambition now that, the Bayelsa state governorship elections is around the corner”.
The group called on the presidency, National Assembly and the public to ignore and disregard the protest, saying they have seen some reforms geared towards the betterment of all beneficiaries of the programme.
“We appeal to all well meaning Niger Deltans and stakeholders to join hands with the Interim administrator of PAP for the benefit of all indigenes of the region”
