President Muhammadu Buhari is sadi to have ordered the Presidential Amnesty Office to commence the payment of outstanding stipends to former agitators in the Niger Delta and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
President Buhari had earlier approved the commencement of payment of the stipends and allowances to the beneficiaries, the development which was confirmed in a statement by the head of media and communication, Amnesty Office, Daniel Alabrah.
Daniel said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) today commenced the payment with the outstanding May stipend of N65,000 per beneficiary.
“The outstanding stipends will be paid in batches. We have commenced payment with the outstanding May 2015 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 exercise of genuine claims. Hopefully, the other payments will commence soon once the verification team concludes its exercise,” Alabrah said..
On July 28, 2015, the President appointed Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (rtd.) as the PAP coordinator and special adviser on Niger Delta.
“Mr. President has by his approval demonstrated his commitment to strengthening of the Amnesty Programme. It is heartwarming 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,” Boroh said. [myad]
