Dikio Explains Delay In Payment Of Ex-Agitators’ Stipends

The Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), says an in-depth investigation into many complaints and petitions received over the years from ex-agitators and other stakeholders on allegations of fraudulent conversion of beneficiaries’ names and other irregularities was the reason behind the delay in payment of N65,000 monthly stipends to some beneficiaries of the programme.
Dikio stated this in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Nneotaobase Egbe, and obtained by The Tide.
He, however, reiterated the commitment of the PAP to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive their monthly stipends regularly as at when due.
According to him, the investigations became necessary in order to correct identified anomalies as well as cleanse the system.
He averred that the ongoing verification has led to the discovery of a number of irregular payments as stipends meant for some names under investigation, which he said, had to be suspended pending the conclusion and outcome of the probe, adding that genuine beneficiaries affected by the ongoing probe would surely receive their stipends.
The PAP boss further explained that contrary to reports, only the stipends of a few beneficiaries were affected by the investigation, saying that stipends of beneficiaries had always been paid on time, even before the 25th of every month in fulfillment of the promise he made to them when he assumed office.
The amnesty boss said that the development did not warrant any kind of protests or disturbance of the peace, and urged beneficiaries to shelve any plan for such action.
He directed all affected delegates to write to the office, specifying their names, phone numbers, Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), United Nations Code (UNCODE) and camps.
They were also to attach their bank statements, amnesty identification card, amnesty certificate and current passport photograph to the letters.
While assuring them that their BVNs would not be made public, Dikio said the applications should be sent to callcentre@osapnd.gov.ng, adding that a physical verification team would be in the region shortly to authenticate their data.
Dikio reassured delegates that PAP was committed to keeping them focused of the scheme with the aim of transforming them into contributors to economic development in line with best practice for reintegration.
He urged them to continue to support the programme and work together to make the Niger Delta the preferred place to live and do business.

By: Akujobi Amadi