PAP explains delay in payment of ex-militants’ tuition, allowances

The Presidential Amnesty office has explained the delay in the payment of tuition and allowances of beneficiaries of the programme studying abroad, saying relevant government agencies were still working on the payments.

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Retired Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh, who made the clarification, Thursday in Abuja, said the processes involved in payment were still being worked out.

“CBN, in conjunction with the Office of Accountant-General of the Federation is processing the required cash backing to effect the necessary foreign exchange transaction for the offshore delegation.

“This is in accordance with the strict implementation of the new directive on the Single Treasury Account (TSA) being operated by the Federal Government.

“Neither myself nor the Amnesty office is unmindful of the hardship that the delay in remittance of the in-training allowances has brought on the students in foreign institutions. But we have taken the necessary steps to ensure that CBN and Accountant-General’s office release funds as soon as practicable.”

Boroh said it was wrong to insinuate that he had not done anything to resolve the issues and ameliorate the plight of the students in offshore institutions.

While inviting interested stakeholders to freely seek clarification on how the programme was being run, he advised critics to do so constructively.

He gave assurance that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to sustainable development of the Niger Delta and urged the indigenes to support the Federal Government to sustain peace and security.

“I urge all beneficiaries of the programme to be law-abiding and forward their complaints with details to the office. Any beneficiary who violates the rules governing the programme will have his allowance stopped,” Boroh warned.

The coordinator noted that because of the strategic place of the Niger Delta, there was the need to ensure justice, peace and security in the region at all times.