The newly appointed Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig-Gen Paul Boroh (rtd) assumed office yesterday, just as the Office in Abuja yesterday commenced the payment of outstanding stipends to ex-militants in the Niger Delta region and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
This followed the approval by President Muhammadu Buhari for the commencement of payment of the stipends and allowances to the beneficiaries. This would doused tension among beneficiaries of the programme following two months of non-payment of their stipends and tuition fees in the different overseas training centres.
In a statement, Head of Media and Communication, Daniel Alabrah, said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday started the payment with May outstanding stipend of N65,000 per beneficiary. The statement said that the outstanding stipends would be paid in batches. “We have commenced payment with the outstanding May this year’s stipends. That of June and July will be paid afterwards. The outstanding allowances and school/training fees of beneficiaries will be cleared at the end of the ongoing verification of genuine claims. “Hopefully, the other payments will commence soon, once the verification team concludes its exercise,” it said.
“It is heart-warming that he graciously approved funds so as to quickly resolve the issues that have affected the smooth running of the programme. “Now, beneficiaries whose training or studies have been affected, can look forward to resuming their studies sooner than later.” “We are committed to a quick resolution of all outstanding issues, including the training fees.” “The President is keen on the smooth and efficient running of the Amnesty Programme. He also wants things done properly. “I am going to quickly look into the issues of beneficiaries who are currently out of schools or training centers as a result of default in payment of fees and allowances.
“We are going to sort out these issues very fast and stabilize the programme,” he said. While lauding the achievements of the programme so far, Boroh sought the full cooperation of beneficiaries and critical stakeholders in the region. “The conduct of the beneficiaries of the is very important. Discipline must remain their watchword. Their conduct is very important. “I will work closely with all the beneficiaries, but I will not condone indiscipline,” he added. He was appointed Coordinator of the programme on July 28 and on assumption of office, he set up a seven-man committee to undertake a verification of claims
