The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has made it clear that it had no involvement in the recent “dialogue between stakeholders and former agitators of the Niger Delta,” which was organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-South, Gift Johnbull, alongside an individual identified as ‘General MightyMan’ in Yenagoa on Tuesday.
This clarification was issued through a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, on Thursday.
The PAP explained that this clarification became necessary following reports linking the Office with the Yenagoa event, and in light of ongoing fraudulent activities where individuals have been deceived into paying money in exchange for false promises of vocational training and empowerment opportunities purportedly from the PAP Office.
The statement reiterated that beneficiaries of the PAP’s vocational training, educational scholarships, and post-training programs are never required to make payments to access these opportunities.
The PAP Administrator, Dr. Otuaro, was quoted in the statement, warning delegates of Phases One, Two, and Three, as well as other beneficiaries, to be wary of scams. He urged them not to give money to anyone in exchange for favors linked to the Presidential Amnesty Office.
Otuaro further called on security agencies to take action by arresting and prosecuting those involved in these fraudulent activities to prevent others from falling victim.
“The attention of the Presidential Amnesty Programme has been drawn to an event held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on 8 October 2024, focusing on ‘dialogue between stakeholders and former agitators of the Niger Delta.’
“The PAP Office wishes to make it clear that it was not associated with this event, which was hosted by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, Gift Johnbull, in collaboration with one ‘General MightyMan.’
“This clarification is necessary due to a misunderstanding in some circles that the PAP office was involved in the event.
“We are deeply concerned that, following this event, certain individuals are impersonating the PAP Office and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public by promising vocational training and other empowerment opportunities in exchange for money.
“The PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, advises all PAP delegates from Phases One, Two, and Three, as well as other beneficiaries, to avoid any unofficial activities not sanctioned by the PAP Office.
“The PAP does not require potential beneficiaries to pay any money for enrollment in its vocational, educational, or post-training initiatives.
“The Administrator urges security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those misusing the PAP Office’s name for fraudulent purposes. The public should not be misled by any schemes asking for money in exchange for opportunities offered by the PAP,” the statement concluded.
Post A Comment: