By Jesse Ese
National News – The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum has dismissed allegations that the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) conducted a “ghost training” after the release of information showing a N339 million payment for a stakeholders’ capacity-building programme.
Reacting to the claims in a statement on Sunday, the group described the allegations as false, misleading and politically motivated, insisting that the training programme was real and attended by participants from across the Niger Delta.
The statement signed by the self-styled General Emma Satu, Convener of the Niger Delta Ex-agitators Forum, said there is verifiable evidence to confirm that the Presidential Amnesty Programme has held various capacity-building programmes in Abuja, including attendance records, photographs, videos and testimonies from participants who benefited from the exercise.
“The training was not a ghost programme as being falsely portrayed by some individuals. Those making these allegations, especially the likes of Jude Gbaboyor, are deliberately attempting to tarnish the reputation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro,” Satu said.
He stated that the current leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme has remained committed to the objectives of the Amnesty initiative by investing in human capital development, peacebuilding, skills acquisition and stakeholder engagement.
Satu noted that since assuming office, Otuaro has introduced reforms aimed at strengthening the programme, improving transparency and expanding opportunities for beneficiaries across the Niger Delta.
“It is unfortunate that some disgruntled persons who have personal interests continue to spread falsehoods to discredit the remarkable achievements being recorded under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership. Genuine beneficiaries know that several training programmes, educational interventions and empowerment initiatives have been carried out.”
He urged members of the public not to be misled by what he described as unsubstantiated allegations, stressing that every government expenditure is subject to established financial and procurement procedures.
The forum convener also advised critics to seek facts before making public accusations, adding that those with genuine concerns should channel them through the appropriate government institutions instead of resorting to sensational claims.
Satu reaffirmed the forum’s confidence in Otuaro’s leadership, describing him as a focused administrator committed to sustaining peace and development in the Niger Delta.
He called on stakeholders and ex-agitators to continue supporting the Presidential Amnesty Programme in its efforts to empower beneficiaries and consolidate the peace achieved in the region.
Below are pictures from some of the leadership trainings organised by the PAP under Dr. Dennis Otuaro.
