ABUJA — The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has strongly condemned what it describes as a campaign of calumny and blackmail targeted at its Administrator, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, following the agency’s strict adherence to the Federal Government’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, the agency declared that it would not yield to pressure from individuals seeking to undermine anti-fraud measures in the Niger Delta region.
The PAP management noted that the ongoing media attacks stem from aggrieved parties opposing reforms introduced to sanitize the program and eliminate fraudulent practices. According to the statement, individuals criticizing the agency have refused to present themselves for official verification to substantiate their claims.
The PAP emphasized that its office cannot be an exception in the execution of government policies designed to eradicate corruption. It added that anyone attempting to use blackmail to bypass the BVN requirement is resisting transparent financial oversight. The agency further clarified that much of the dissatisfaction among critics stems from the plugging of financial loopholes, strict adherence to statutory payment structures, and a refusal to award inflated contracts.
Highlighting the impact of the current administration’s resource management, the statement outlined several key achievements under Dr. Otuaro’s tenure. These include the award of 13,300 onshore and over 500 offshore scholarships, the distribution of laptops to beneficiaries, and the prompt payment of monthly stipends to ex-agitators. Additionally, the program has facilitated employment and professional certifications across the aviation and maritime sectors, alongside mediation training for over 360 regional stakeholders.
The PAP reaffirmed its commitment to directing allocated funds toward youth empowerment, human capital development, and sustainable peace-building in the Niger Delta, rather than compromising operational standards. The agency concluded by expressing gratitude to Niger Delta leaders and key regional stakeholders for their continued support of the ongoing reforms.
