The Niger Delta Integrity Group (NDIG) has condemned calls for the suspension of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd), by some elders and traditional rulers in the region.

The NDIG said those calling for the suspension of Ndiomu are unknown, adding that the PAP Interim Administrator has initiated strategic processes to ensure that the Programme fulfils its mandate.

The NDIG made this known via a statement issued on Thursday by its convener, Dr. Boma Horsfall.

The statement read: “We noted with utmost dismay, a non-existent pack of so-called ‘Elders’ and ‘Traditional Rulers’ in the Niger Delta region, who are calling for the suspension of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

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“Not only is the act of these elements disgraceful, they are also not known, whether as Elders, Traditional Rulers, or as Ex-Agitators captured in the database of the PAP.”

The NDIG noted that the elders also alleged that the signature of late Professor Charles Dokubo was forged by the current PAP administration to backdate contract award letters to contractors, adding that it “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 fulfil its mandate. His early track records 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,” it added.

The Star