The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) says it will not succumb to blackmail over its enforcement of the Federal Government’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy, maintaining that opposing reforms were out to protect their financial interests.
PAP said the policy, which links bank accounts belonging to individuals, was aimed at curbing fraud and must be implemented by all government agencies.
Mr Igoniko Odums, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The statement condemned tge campaign of calumny against Otuaro by some elements in the Niger Delta, alleging that they were uncomfortable with his financial discipline and efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices.
It said the PAP would not be an exception to the Federal Government’s policy on BVN, adding that those challenging its implementation should submit themselves for verification.
“The PAP office cannot be the exception in the execution of the government’s policy on BVN designed to eradicate corruption in the 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,” PAP said.
According to the statement, some of the Administrator’s critics were allegedly motivated by the loss of opportunities to secure inflated contracts and access funds through practices the ongoing reforms had discontinued.
It explained that the programme would not divert resources meant for the educational and vocational empowerment of Niger Delta youths to satisfy the demands of individuals seeking personal benefits.
The statement said Otuaro’s administration had prioritised prudent resource management, human capital development and sustainable peace in the region.
It listed the award of 13,300 onshore and more than 500 offshore scholarships, as well as the distribution of laptops to beneficiaries, among achievements recorded under his leadership.
The programme also said it had sustained prompt payment of monthly stipends to ex-agitators and expanded opportunities for beneficiaries in aviation and maritime sectors.
It disclosed that four cadet pilots and 20 other aviation trainees had secured employment after completing their training, while 40 cadets were engaged in on-the-job training.
The statement further said 98 maritime cadets had received professional certification, while more than 360 stakeholders had undergone training in alternative dispute resolution and mediation.
It added that the Administrator had strengthened stakeholder engagement as part of efforts to deepen peace-building and promote stability across the Niger Delta.
The PAP, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard what it described as false allegations intended to damage Otuaro’s reputation and distract him from implementing his mandate.
It expressed appreciation to Niger Delta stakeholders and leaders for their support, reiterating its commitment to sustainable peace, socio-economic growth and community development in the region.