Niger Delta Leaders, PAP Beneficiaries call on President Tinubu to accord special attention to the Presidential Amnesty Programme
Leaders of the Niger Delta, representatives of beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme phases 1, 2, and 3 met n Abuja on 21st of August in the presence of National Elder Statesman and leader of the South-South Geo-political Zone, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, and the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd), as well as representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and leaders of various ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region to deliberate on the progress made by the Presidential Amnesty Programme since its creation and made some far reaching resolutions.
In a communique signed by leaders of the Niger Delta and representatives of beneficiaries of PAP 1, 2 and 3, after critical review of the workings of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, since its inception, and afforded participants, especially the representatives of Beneficiaries, the opportunity to express their thoughts on various existing challenges. The various issues raised were extensively discussed and the followng resutions agreed upon:
“Reaffirms the fact that the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which was instituted by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on 9th October 2009, has played a major role in bringing peace, security and stability to the Niger Delta region which at that time was challenged by an upsurge of militant activities
“That the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has led to the reign of relative peace in Niger Delta and thereby providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of oil and gas activities to the overall wellbeing of the national economy.
“Reiterates its appreciation of the efforts of the administrations of Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, in sustaining this stabilisation Programme, which has continued to be of great benefit to the entire country.
“Thus, calls on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accord special attention to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which has remained a major booster to the critical oil and gas industry, from which the country earns most of its revenue.
“Notes that the Programme has carried out various training and reintegration programmes, and urges that this should be sustained with greater vigour and funding.
“Advises that the Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to be inclusive, to cover all properly accredited delegates and ensure that all ratified benefits are fully paid.
“Commends the Interim Administrator of the Programme for the new initiatives to deepen socio-economic impact through the establishment of the PAP Cooperative Scheme, and enjoins all beneficiaries to wholly embrace it.
“Calls on the Federal Government to continue to improve the conditions for the implementation of the Programme, as regards welfare of beneficiaries, due to the sharply changed economic circumstances, which are currently prevailing in the country.
“Notes that the Interim Administrator, General Barry T. Ndiomu rtd., has demonstrated high management and administrative capacity and competence since assuming office in September 2022.
“Urges the Interim Administrator to establish Liaison Offices in the concerned states for the purpose of ensuring effective implementation of activities connected with the execution of this important Programme.
“Agrees on the need to establish an effective “single window liaison” at the Headquarters of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the purpose of resolving issues which are brought to the attention of the Interim Administrator.
“Implores youths of the Niger Delta to continue to embrace peace and work with the government to ensure effective implementation of the Programme, and other related efforts aimed at addressing the socio-economic and developmental challenges of the region.
Representatives of the Beneficiaries (Delegates of Phase 1, 2 and 3) at the meeting, rendered a sincere apology over the various misstatements and misinformation published in the
media against the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and pleaded for clemency; that the unfortunate occurrence was due to communication hitches.
In conclusion, the meeting expressed appreciation to Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and other leaders present for their continued show of leadership and timely intervention in the matter and other issues pertaining to the Niger Delta.
Full text of Communique issued at the end of a meetng of leaders of the Niger Delta, Beneficiaries of PAP and PAP Interim Administrator in the Presence of Chief EK Clark:
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A MEETING OF LEADERS OF NIGER DELTA REGION WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF BENEFICIARIES OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME PHASE 1, PHASE 2 & PHASE 3, HELD IN ABUJA, ON MONDAY, 21ST AUGUST, 2023
1. Leaders of the Niger Delta region met with representatives of Beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), in Abuja, on Monday, 21st August 2023. The meeting, which had in attendance leaders of phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 of PAP was held in the presence of National Elder Statesman and leader of the South-South Geo-political Zone, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, OFR, CON, and the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd), as well as representatives of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and leaders of various ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region.
2. The meeting provided opportunity for a critical review of the workings of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, since its inception, and afforded participants, especially the representatives of Beneficiaries, the opportunity to express their thoughts on various existing challenges. The various issues raised were extensively discussed.
3. Thereafter, the meeting resolved as follows:
i. Reaffirms the fact that the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which was instituted by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on 9th October 2009, has played a major role in bringing peace, security and stability to the Niger Delta region which at that time was challenged by an upsurge of militant activities.
ii. That the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has led to the reign of relative peace in Niger Delta and thereby providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of oil and gas activities to the overall wellbeing of the national economy.
iii. Reiterates its appreciation of the efforts of the administrations of Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, in sustaining this stabilisation Programme, which has continued to be of great benefit to the entire country.
iv. Thus, calls on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accord special attention to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which has remained a major booster to the critical oil and gas industry, from which the country earns most of its revenue.
v. Notes that the Programme has carried out various training and reintegration programmes, and urges that this should be sustained with greater vigour and funding.
vi. Advises that the Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to be inclusive, to cover all properly accredited delegates and ensure that all ratified benefits are fully paid.
vii. Commends the Interim Administrator of the Programme for the new initiatives to deepen socio-economic impact through the establishment of the PAP Cooperative Scheme, and enjoins all beneficiaries to wholly embrace it.
viii. Calls on the Federal Government to continue to improve the conditions for the implementation of the Programme, as regards welfare of beneficiaries, due to the sharply changed economic circumstances, which are currently prevailing in the country.
ix. Notes that the Interim Administrator, General Barry T. Ndiomu rtd., has demonstrated high management and administrative capacity and competence since assuming office in September 2022.
x. Urges the Interim Administrator to establish Liaison Offices in the concerned states for the purpose of ensuring effective implementation of activities connected with the execution of this important Programme.
xi. Agrees on the need to establish an effective “single window liaison” at the Headquarters of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the purpose of resolving issues which are brought to the attention of the Interim Administrator.
xii. Implores youths of the Niger Delta to continue to embrace peace and work with the government to ensure effective implementation of the Programme, and other related efforts aimed at addressing the socio-economic and developmental challenges of the region.
4. Representatives of the Beneficiaries (Delegates of Phase 1, 2 and 3) at the meeting, rendered a sincere apology over the various misstatements and misinformation published in the
media against the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and pleaded for clemency; that the unfortunate occurrence was due to communication hitches.
5. The meeting expressed appreciation to Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and other leaders present for their continued show of leadership and timely intervention in the matter and other issues pertaining to the Niger Delta.
Issued in Abuja, on 21st August, 2023.
Signed:
For Leaders and Representatives of Ethnic Nationalities:
1. Amb. Dr. Godknows Igali, FNAH, OON – Secretary , BOT, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF
2. Dr. Alfred Mulade – National Secretary, PANDEF
3. Dr. Ken Robinson – National Publicity Secretary, PANDEF
4. Dr. Prince Anyanate Kio – Leader, National Representative Council (NRC) of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide
5. Engr. Ebi Wodu – National Secretary, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide
6. Ms Annkio Briggs – Critical Stakeholder
7. Barr. Bomo Fetepigi- National Legal Adviser, INC
8. Engr Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha – National Publicity Secretary, INC
9. Chief Kennedy Odiowei – National Financial Secretary, INC
10. Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini – Organizing Secretary, PANDEF, Delta State
11. Mrs. Rosemary Aken John-Oduone – President, Ijaw Women Connect
For the Interim Administrator and Management of PAP:
1. Mr. Fresto Akpor – SA Media
2. Mr. Thomas Peretu – SA Special Duties/Admin
Representatives of Beneficiaries (Delegates of Phase 1, 2 & 3) of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP):
1. Ibena Rufus Salvation
2. Aso Tambo
3. Olotu Wanemi
4. Dr. Tam Odogwu
5. Inko Bright W. T.
6. Delta W. Dede
7. John Esuku
8. Owoupele Eneoriekumoh
9. Barr. Omiundougha I. Richard
