Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof. Charles Dokubo, has solicited the support of the people of the region on the federal government amnesty programme, rather than resort to unnecessary criticism.
Dokubo who made the call at a meeting with the Niger Delta Amnesty Vendors Association in Abuja Wednesday, also reiterated his determination to ensure that funds meant for the programme are prudently managed for the required purpose, in spite of pressure from individuals and groups with parochial interests.
A statement by his spokesman, Murphy Ganagana quoted Dokubo as saying he was unperturbed by the desperation of some persons who use the media to harass and blackmail him for his refusal to disburse funds meant for genuine beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme to people not captured in the programme.
“If you are not on this programme, forget about getting N65, 000.00k monthly. You must be captured by this programme to be entitled to payment of monthly stipend. Nobody from the Niger Delta has come to me that I didn’t give a listening ear.
“For me, right from the beginning, I have said I’m not going to use Amnesty money for myself; I am in this office to serve. I do not need to steal money. Amnesty money is for empowerment of Niger Delta people, Dokubo said.
He added, “As long as I am in this office, I will do the right thing. If you stand aside and watch, that is your business. Amnesty Programme is here for you. It is for all of you; to empower the Niger Delta people.”
Speaking earlier, President of the Niger Delta Amnesty Vendors Association, Mr. Tari Okosi, warned youths and elders of Niger Delta against frivolous and malicious petitions that could turn back to haunt the region if the Amnesty Programme fails.
He commended Dokubo for his transparency in the award of contracts and establishing a job placement unit that has created more jobs to people of the region.
