PAP: Odogwu commends Idiomu on cooperative initiative, improved service delivery

By Peters Monday, Abuja

A third phase top ex-agitator, Dr Tam Odogwu, the first general to have gotten a PhD under the programme has commended the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under Major Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu (Rtd) for providing a credible service to uplift the standard of the programme.

This is according to a statement signed by himself and a copy was sent to Congress News correspondent on Monday.

The ex-agitators said examining programme goals, implementation process, impacts and challenges revealed that the programme had some positive impacts, including improved security in the region, demobilization and rehabilitation of former militants, noting that the programme has undergone several challenges in the reintegration phase, which included inadequate funding, corruption, poor implementation of the Programme’s activities, and lack of sustained ownership.

According to him, the amnesty office had been headed by different administrators with varying outcomes and impacts, adding that a critical assessment of the amnesty programme under Major Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu (Rtd), had stood out in view due to his novel and laudable initiatives targeted at equipping the amnesty beneficiaries with relevant entrepreneurial skills necessary to make them self employed as well as become employers of labour.

The statement reads, “The Niger Delta amnesty programme was initiated by the Nigerian government in 2009. The Programme has an ambitious objective of promoting peace and stability, providing a lasting solution to the protracted socio-economic stagnation, persistent conflict, restiveness and environmental degradation that engulfed the region, and providing economic empowerment and employment opportunities for ex-militants.

“Suffice to say that reviews and reports from critical stakeholders of the amnesty programme revealed that the Ndiomu administration which happened to be the most attacked, condemned and vilified has turned out to be one of the best in the history of the programme.

“It’s worthy to note that barely one year in office, Major Gen Barry Tariye Ndiomu (Rtd) in his usual candour has been able to correct a plethora of irregularities in the amnesty programme and this has brought some level of sanity in the payment of stipends, tuitions, allowances and contractors. In addition, he was able to clear the over seven billion naira debts he inherited. He was able to achieve this remarkable feat due to his unbridled penchant for accountability and dexterity in financial management.

“Furthermore, his creative ingenuity was showcased in the ongoing Presidential Amnesty Cooperative Society Limited Loan Scheme (PACOSOL) aimed at providing loan facilities to amnesty beneficiaries. The loan with no or little interest and minimal collateral requirements will avail beneficiaries the opportunity to establish different small and medium enterprises in the Niger Delta Region. This initiative resonates very well with the majority of the ex-agitators under the amnesty programme, considering that the sixty-five thousand (N65,000.00) naira monthly stipend cannot cushion the current cost of living in the country, resulting from heightened inflation.

“Consequently, the Amnesty leaders of thought are using the Amnesty Interim Administrator, Major Gen Barry Tariye Ndiomu (Rtd) first anniversary as a medium to call on the federal government, all state governors, National assembly members from the region particularly the Senate president, multinational oil corporations, and non-governmental organizations to partner with this astute administrator by providing the funds needed to help improve and sustain the presidential amnesty cooperative loan scheme which has become a veritable and significant component of the reintegration phase of the amnesty programme.

“The successful implementation of the reintegration components of the amnesty programme would facilitate and sustain the success of the amnesty programme which will depend on several key factors, including adequate funding, continued monitoring and evaluation of the programme, improved infrastructure, and better coordination between the federal and state governments.

“The long-term success of the programme is also dependent upon programmes like the ongoing amnesty cooperative loan scheme being tailored to the specific needs of the ex-agitators in the region and their communities at large. Hence the call for sustenance and continuity,” he added.