Dickson, Alaibe Back Gen Ndiomu, Presidential Amnesty Boss

The senator representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, Seriake Dickson and a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe have backed calls for the continuation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and declared support for its interim administrator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd.)

The two eminent Niger Delta leaders said that they have confidence in the ability of Ndiomu to run the amnesty office effectively to the benefit of the region, the appointing authority and the country.

A statement on Friday said that Dickson and Alaibe spoke shortly after a meeting at the Maitama, Abuja residence of the former governor of Bayelsa State.

They thanked President Mohammadu Buhari and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno for the appointment of Ndiomu to pilot the affairs of the critical agency.

They called on stakeholders, beneficiaries and youth groups across the Niger Delta to give the necessary support to the leadership of Ndiomu at the PAP in the interest of the region.

Dickson and Alaibe also appealed to the presidency to give the needed financial support to enable the new PAP leader to actualize the execution of the lofty programmes of the PAP such as the scholarship programme, skill acquisition, development and prompt payment of stipends to beneficiaries.

The statement said, “We declare support for the continuation of the PAP; call on the beneficiaries and stakeholders for support and understanding for the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme, Maj. Gen. Barry Ndiomu, (retd).

“We also thank the President, Muhammadu Buhari and the NSA for his appointment.

“We believe and we trust in the ability of General Ndiomu to drive the process and the assignment that has been given to him, and he has our support in doing so.

“We call on the Federal Government to give him and the Presidential Amnesty Programme all the necessary support, especially financial, to enable him to continue with all the lofty programmes that the Amnesty Programme is running, particularly scholarship, skills acquisition and development and payment of stipends as at when due.

“Finally, we call on the stakeholders, beneficiaries and youths of the region to give him the necessary support and to refrain from distractive activities as the new Interim Administrator is addressing all issues of interest and concern to them.”