…says BVN govt policy against bank fraud must be upheld
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has condemned what it described as blackmail and a campaign of calumny against its Administrator, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, by some individuals from the Niger Delta.
The Office said the PAP, under Dr Otuaro, would not succumb to what it described as blackmail sponsored by fraudsters who did not mean well for the region.
It stressed that those criticising the decision to comply with the Federal Government’s policy on Bank Verification Number (BVN), which links all bank accounts belonging to individuals, should have a rethink.
The Office said the funds approved for the running of the programme would be deployed efficiently in the pursuit of lasting peace and security in the Niger Delta.
The PAP urged the public to dismiss what it described as false and misleading allegations being circulated by individuals seeking to tarnish Dr Otuaro’s reputation and distract him from his work.
It added that the Administrator’s accusers were unhappy with his management of resources and the reforms he had initiated to sanitise the office and rid it of fraudulent practices that had impeded the smooth execution of the program’s mandate in the region.
In a statement, the PAP said, “It has come to the attention of the Office that a group of people are making spurious allegations over the PAP leadership’s adherence to the policy on BVN. We strongly condemn these allegations.
ALSO READ: Tinubu making bold efforts to reduce Niger Delta’s human capital devt gap — Otuaro
“The PAP office cannot be the exception in the execution of the government’s policy on BVN designed to eradicate corruption in society.
“Clearly, anybody using the tool of blackmail to arm-twist the office to sideline BVN is either a criminal or a fraudster who should be under security watch. The Office has asked them to come for verification of their claims, but they will not.
“These serial blackmailers are purveyors of falsehood and hollow narratives; they are driven by sheer greed with the sole objective of denting Dr Otuaro’s image and distracting him from focusing on the task given to him by President Bola Tinubu.
“These misguided elements are angry with Dr Otuaro for prudent management of resources, and introducing reforms that have sanitized the PAP. It is a fact that the Administrator has plugged all the loopholes which they and their ilk had hitherto manipulated for their selfish interests.
“Many of them are angered by what is statutorily paid to them by the Office. The BVN policy is a policy of the Federal Government, not the PAP’s.
“Some want to be awarded bogus contracts which, the Office under Dr Otuaro, is not inclined to do. These are the reasons for their persistent attacks against him.”
The PAP further stated that Dr Otuaro’s management of resources and commitment to his duties had resulted in efficient service delivery and the advancement of human capital development for sustainable peace, stability, security and development in the region.
It added that the Administrator’s decision to take the programme closer to people in the region was reflected in the award of 13,300 onshore and more than 500 offshore scholarships, as well as the distribution of laptops to beneficiaries.
“Apart from the expansion of scholarship opportunities, the Administrator has ensured prompt payment of ex-agitators’ monthly stipends and others.
“Additionally, four cadet pilots, 20 other aviation trainees are gainfully employed after training; 40 cadets were engaged in on-the-job training, 98 maritime cadets received professional certification, and over 360 stakeholders trained on alternative dispute resolution and mediation.
“Deliberate steps have also been taken to promote stakeholders’ engagement to deepen the peace-building process in the region, among others.
“The PAP, under Dr Otuaro’s leadership, will not be stampeded into using funds meant for the educational and vocational empowerment of Niger Delta youths to satisfy the large appetites of serial blackmailers and their sponsors.”
The Office expressed appreciation to its stakeholders and leaders of the Niger Delta for supporting Dr Otuaro and identifying with his vision to build a solid foundation for the region’s future, sustainable peace, socio-economic growth and community development.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV