Ex-agitators of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have strongly opposed the idea of scrapping the scheme, arguing that those advocating for its termination do not have the best interests of the Niger Delta region at heart. The ex-agitators, represented by the Second Phase Amnesty Ex-Agitators Forum, responded to calls for the programme's liquidation by stating that the individuals behind these demands are not from the region.

The National Spokesman of the Second Phase Amnesty Ex-Agitators Forum, 'Gen' Salvation Ibena Rufus, issued a statement in Yenagoa, emphasizing that no true son of the Niger Delta or beneficiary of the PAP would support or call for the programme's termination or the removal of Major Gen. Barry Ndiomu, the retired coordinator of PAP. Rufus highlighted that under Ndiomu's leadership, beneficiaries have experienced significant improvements in recent times, injecting a breath of fresh air into the scheme.

According to Rufus, the key stakeholders in the Niger Delta have been advocating for the confirmation of Major Gen. Ndiomu as the substantive coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu. He further stated that the listed beneficiaries appreciate the exceptional performance of the interim administrator.

Rufus expressed solidarity with genuine stakeholders from the region who are calling on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to confirm Major Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu as the substantive head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. He urged the anonymous individuals and desperate political opportunists to refrain from interfering with the work of the Presidential Amnesty helmsman and allow him to focus on elevating the programme to greater heights.

The ex-agitators claimed to have reliable information suggesting that the authors and sponsors of the calls for scrapping the PAP are not from the Niger Delta region. They believe that the motive behind the intense media campaign is to pressure the new government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into terminating and liquidating the Presidential Amnesty Scheme.

Rufus emphasized that no genuine son or daughter of the Niger Delta, especially those benefiting from the PAP, would seek or support the removal of Major Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu. He highlighted the positive impact Ndiomu has had as the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, stating that beneficiaries have experienced significant improvements under his leadership.

The ex-agitators dismissed the allegations made by the faceless individuals that the sum of N2.5 billion in the coffers of the Presidential Amnesty Cooperative Loan Scheme has disappeared. They stated that there is no truth to these unfounded claims. They clarified that the alleged N2.5 billion was a seed fund to initiate the laudable initiative, and more than 1000 delegates have already benefited from the soft loans, depending on their intended use.

Rufus explained that the purpose of the Presidential Amnesty Scheme (Beneficiaries) Cooperative Society Limited (PAPCOSOL) is to ensure that delegates and beneficiaries of the PAP initiative do not solely rely on the monthly stipend of N65,000. He mentioned that an Advisory Board, headed by a respected figure from the region, retired Supreme Court Justice HRM F. F Tabai, along with other prominent individuals with impeccable records, is duly informed about all financial transactions related to the cooperative loan scheme.

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