Internal and external audits of the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s databases, according to the Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, have revealed “monumental” frauds in the payment of stipends and other funds to ex-agitators.
Nature Dumale, Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Strategic Communication Committee (STRATCOM), spoke about the discovery at a press conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Saturday.
Major-General Tariye Ndiomu (Rtd), who took over as interim administrator of the programme in September, initiated plans to renegotiate existing contracts with its vendors, according to Dumale.
Ndiomu was able to save over N1.5 billion as a result of the process, according to the spokesman.
“He has shown greater commitment to the core values of the programme, hence was able to extract promises and commitments from sister agencies and stakeholders,” Dumale said.
“For instance, the Head of Service has promised to absorb 350 ex-agitators into the Federal Civil Service once the opportunity presents itself. Gen. Ndiomu has also initiated internal and external audits of its database.
“The auditors have uncovered monumental frauds, especially in the payment of stipends and other sundry funds, where an individual is receiving stipends meant for 33 persons through fraudulent means.”
The Amnesty STRATCOM chairman, describing Ndiomu as proactive, stated that the interim administrator had ordered the immediate verification of all delegates to take place next week without further delay.
He urged delegates to be confident that whoever is verified will be paid right away.
“Gen Ndiomu (Rtd) has also indicated interest in resuscitating the vocational training centres for the training ex-agitators in specialised fields to provide middle-level manpower for the oil and gas industry.
“Gen. Ndiomu has concluded arrangements to complete the construction of four vocational training centres located in Bayelsa, Rivers Delta and Ondo states. These centres will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
“He is already discussing with potential technical partners for the projects. The experts are to manage the centres,” the Amnesty STRATCOM chairman said.
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