‘We are not involved’ — PAP dissociates self from ‘demobilisation exercise’ in Niger Delta

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) says it is not carrying out any  “demobilisation exercise” to recruit individuals for pipeline surveillance and vocational training in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement on Tuesday, Igoniko Oduma, the special assistant on media to Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of PAP, described the claim as “a scheme orchestrated by fraudulent individuals extorting money from citizens under false pretences”.

Oduma added that PAP does not require payments or favours from residents of the Niger Delta region to participate in its educational scholarship or vocational training programmes.

He urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report such activities to security agencies for proper action.

“It has come to the attention of the Presidential Amnesty Programme that some unscrupulous elements are going about collecting money from unsuspecting Niger Deltans for a purported demobilisation exercise by the PAP office,” the statement reads.

“These unpatriotic elements claim that the PAP office will use the demobilisation exercise to recruit people for training in pipeline surveillance and other vocational trades.

“Our findings show that these dishonest individuals have deceived their targets into believing the exercise will take place at designated centres in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, and Ondo states.

“The PAP office states categorically that it is not organising or conducting any demobilisation exercise in any part of the Niger Delta.

“The Presidential Amnesty Office does not collect money or solicit favours from Niger Deltans to become beneficiaries of its educational scholarship scheme or vocational training programmes.

“The office, therefore, advises the youths and the people of the Niger Delta not to fall victim to the criminal activities of these unpatriotic individuals. No Niger Deltan should be tricked into participating in this criminal enterprise.

“Dr Dennis Otuaro, PAP administrator, strongly condemns the brazen attempt by these unpatriotic characters to tarnish the office’s image with their fraudulent activities.

“The PAP helmsman urges security agencies to arrest and prosecute those involved in the fake demobilisation programme to serve as a deterrent to others.”