Ex-IYC Spokesman Tasks Tinubu On Appointment Of Substantive PAP Coordinator Based On Competence, Detribalization

…As Ekerefe Backs Appointment Of Ndiomu As Coordinator

Erstwhile Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (Worldwide), and National leader of the Niger Delta Advocacy Group(the New Era Movement), Comr. Ebilade Ekerefe, has charged President Bola Tinubu to appoint a substantive coordinator for the Presidential Amnesty Programme(PAP) based on competence and not adding any form of ethnic colouration to it.

Ekerefe in a statement issued yesterday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital argued that rather than based the appointment of a substantive PAP coordinator on tribal sentiments and allege bribery of presidential aides, the appointment of the Coordinator should be based on competence, capacity and security interest of the region.

The statement reads in parts: “The current interim administrator, Maj.Gen Barry Ndiomu(rtd) is already doing a great job with clear show of competence and bringing his wealth of experience in repositioning PAP, and therefore should be encouraged and supported by stakeholders of the region”

“Despite the fact that it’s the prerogative of the President to appoint whoever he feels can help him drive his agenda in the Niger Delta region, such appointment should be based on competence and one that has delivered along the line with which the amnesty program was specifically designed.”

Ekerefe pointed out that the the initiative of Maj-Gen Ndiomu (rtd) was already yielding the desired result.

He noted: “Most especially, the Presidential Amnesty Cooperative Society (PACOSOL), with the objective of helping delegates become self-reliant, own functional businesses, create sustainable wealth, become productive and plan for their future is well thought out.

“The payments of all outstanding debts of PAP and the reintroduction of the scholarship programme for 2024/2025 academic section is unimaginable, despite the poor budget funding. However, this is not excluding the relative peace enjoyed in the Niger delta region as a result of his constant engagement with stakeholders since his assumption”.

“I join the rest of well-meaning Niger Delta stakeholders to appeal to president Tinubu not to listen to any alleged surreptitious move by those who sees PAP as a cash cow and allow Maj.Gen Ndiomu (rtd) continue with his good works.”