The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Co-ordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, General Paul T. Boroh (rtd), has solicited the co-operation and assistance of all in the effort to ensure continued peace and sustainable development in the region.
He said that the programme was doing everything possible to meet its obligations.
The statement of the programme signed by the Head, Media and Communication, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, on Thursday, said that the sustenance of peace in the region was the first priority of the programme, calling for joint effort and collaboration of well-meaning Nigerians to achieve the feat.
Lakemfa said that the agency had paid the monthly stipend of the beneficiaries under the programme through the banks, adding that if there was any case of under-payment or deduction, such a case should be brought to the notice of the agency for rectification.
On the protest by those who complained of being left out of the programme, Lakemfa clarified that the mandate of the Amnesty Programme was to cater for the 30,000 ex-agitators documented at the Disarmament Stage.
He said the programme had since passed the Demobilisation Period to the on-going Reintegration Phase, noting that the Amnesty Office had no powers to either expand the programme or make new intakes. It said that any such approval would be purely at the discretion of the Federal Government.
As a result of the change in administration, he said some delays were inevitable, which were quickly rectified following the appointment the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Co-ordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
For the beneficiaries who claim that their housing allowance or hostel fees had not been paid, the Office clarified that the issue was being addressed.
Lakemfa reiterated the readiness of the programme to receive suggestions and enquiries through the call centre, where individuals could make enquiries on issues bordering on the programme.
The numbers according to Lakemfa are 0703-5611-612 and 0809-0088-337 and the e-mail is:osapndcallcentre.
