Abuja—Former Niger Delta freedom fighters under the auspices of the Ex-Agitators Foundation (EAF) have described the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd) as the best thing to have happened to the Niger Delta Region in recent times and a man of integrity.
The ex-agitators stated that they would not sit and watch mischief makers with their usual antics of blackmails to pull down Ndiomu who, they insist, has so many dreams and aspirations for the programme, its beneficiaries and the Niger Delta region.
The EAF made this known in a statement on Friday while responding to allegations it described as a sinister and evil plot to force the Federal Government to remove Ndiomu over his chairmanship work with the Special Investigative Panel (SIP) on oil theft in the Niger Delta by the Movement for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta (MSDND).
This was contained in a statement signed by HRH Henry Binididogan Ekes, National president, Opia Joshua, National spokesperson, Andabafa Opunama, Delta State coordinator, Emeka Igwe, Imo State coordinator, Nico Sintel, Akwa Ibom State coordinator and Frank Duduku, Cross Rivers State coordinator.
Others are Chief othello Mafemisin, Ondo State coordinator, Egebele Grandville, Rivers State coordinator, Darikoro Alfred, Bayelsa State coordinator, Kingsley Nna, Abia State coordinator and Chief Omor, Edo State coordinator.
The group averred that Ndiomu is a man of integrity who can make the programme self-sufficient.
“Since his inception into office, the retired but not tired General has had multiple productive interfaces with government and corporate agencies to ensure proper reintegration of delegates of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“He has also ensured prompt and regular payments of stipends and allowances of Amnesty beneficiaries.
“Furthermore, he has restored sanity and transparency into the Programme besides demonstrating sufficient commitment towards the sustenance of peace and development of Niger Delta region,” the statement reads.
The group which also passed a vote of confidence on Ndiomu called on the President Muhammadu Buhari to continue to repose confidence in his ability to effectively chair the SIP on oil theft and also refocus the PAP as its Administrator.
