Ex-leaders of Niger Delta militants have protested the alleged attempt by the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), retired Major General Barry Ndiomu, to frustrate an ongoing suit against 15 companies demanding N3.8b for jobs not carried out.

The ex-agitators protested in a letter sent to the National Security Adviser, Major General Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd.)

According to the Nation, they said that despite the fact that there were various cases in different courts against the Amnesty Office, Ndiomu had refused to file a defence as done by his predecessor against the accused 15 companies due to an allegation of exchange of gratification meant to settle the case and allow the Federal Government pay the firms for unexecuted jobs.

The ex-militant leaders in the letter signed by Boma Inewariku, Gabriel Victor and James Collins among others, called on the NSA to investigate, suspend Ndiomu and appoint the most senior civil servant to take over the running of PAP pending the outcome of the investigation against the Interim Administrator.

The petition read in part: “Our demand for the immediate suspension of Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd.) as the Interim Administrator is because of an allegation of bribery and connivance to embezzle Amnesty programme funds.

“We wish to bring to your notice that it is no news that there are numerous cases pending against PAP in different courts across the country, but of utmost importance are the cases filed against the Amnesty office where these companies are all controlled by one individual who is claiming payments of over N3.8bn for contracts allegedly done by these companies.

“It is important to state that the alleged contracts awarded to these companies were done without any due process and against all known procedures and the said contracts were allegedly awarded by the late Prof. Charles Dokubo.

“May we also inform you that the immediate past interim administrator, Col. Miland Dixon Dikio (rtd.) stood for justice and resolved to diligently fight and also defended against these corrupt and fraudulent contracts allegedly awarded to the15 companies, which matter is still pending in courts.

“In fact, sir, it is also pertinent to state that the accredited and verified Amnesty beneficiaries who should have benefited from the alleged contract were not issued any business start-up item (s) as allegedly contained in contract and based on this, the 124 beneficiaries applied to join in the ongoing suit in a representative capacity for all other verified beneficiaries of the programme. Sir, we state unequivocally that the removal of Dikio was indeed a grave mistake and denial of justice and fairness to the people of Niger Delta region.”

However, a close aide to PAP boss described the petition against Ndiomu as “frivolous and absurd.”

The aide, who spoke in confidence, said those who purportedly signed the petition were only desperately trying to fight against the end of the Amnesty programme which had become their cash cow over the years.

“Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu is committed to the mandate handed to him and will not allow any distractions from disgruntled and fraudulent people,” the aide stated.

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