The Niger Delta Integrity Group (NDIG) has in a statement issued on Thursday described the Movement for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta (MSDND) as a faceless, non-existent group.
This is coming on the heels of a recent statement issued by the MSDND— said to be comprised of Niger Delta traditional rulers and elders—wherein it called for the immediate suspension of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu, retired.
While noting that the call for Ndiomu’s suspension is disgraceful, the integrity group maintains that the people behind MSDNG claiming to be Niger Delta elders and rational rulers are out to blackmail Ndiomu for monetary gains.
Convener of NDIG, Dr. Boma Horsfall argues that the said elders are acting out of frustration in that Ndiomu since assuming office has introduced integrity to the Amnesty Programme, including blocking loopholes from where corrupt elements feed.
The group therefore cautioned the said elders to stop what it described as a campaign of calumny against Ndiomu.
However, the group advised Ndiomu to be focused on his mandate as amnesty boss while urging the Presidency to direct relevant authorities to invite the said Niger Delta stakeholders for questioning.
The statement reads in part: “Among other nefarious allegations of the group, the shameful claim that the signature of late Professor Charles Dokubo was forged by the current PAP administration to backdate contract award letters to contractors, is a lie from the pit of hell.
“Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large are therefore encouraged to disregard their claims, as they are empty and baseless. Their antics are mere ploys to gain attention and swindle monies from the PAP.
“The group allegedly led by one former General Boma Inewariku, Gabriel Atumani Victor, and James Ebiaredei Collins should bear in mind that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) are too busy with the important task of fixing the country, and as such, may not have time to look at their frivolous petitions, let alone consider it.
“We have it on good authority that these faceless groups are acting out of frustration, because the new PAP administration which upholds a high level of integrity, has blocked all loopholes from where they get free monies for contracts not executed.
“Since he came on board as Interim Administrator of the PAP, Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd) has initiated strategic processes to ensure that the Programme fulfills its mandate. His early track record speaks volumes and remains unmatched.
“We hereby caution the fake Elders and Traditional Rulers to desist from spreading falsehood about a man who Niger Delta youths consider a gift to the PAP.
“We urge General Ndiomu to remain focused on his mandate, and not be distracted by these sponsored lies. We also urge President Buhari and the NSA to direct appropriate authorities to invite them for questioning. “
