The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme( PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has placed high premium on the welfare and prosperity of all delegates of the programme.
In a press statement in yenagoa and signed by ex-agitator Gen. Abiri Stanley, a.k.a, Faceless, said, Dr. Otuaro, has also kept the vision of the programme alive and thriving.
Gen. Abiri, made the remarks in a statement against the backdrop of concerns raised by ex-agitators on their plight for an upward review of the monthly stipend, stressing that Otuaro appreciates the plight of the meagre monthly stipend to beneficiaries and that in as much as the upward review of the monthly stipend become imperative, it was not in the powers of the Administrator to increase the money.
, He advised beneficiaries of the programme, which includes 1st, 2nd and 3rd phases to excercise restraint and be patience over the review of the monthly stipend with Dr. Otuaro.
Gen. Abiri, pointed out that, the upward review of the monthly stipend was not within the purview of the Administrator, but must pass through a legislative process in the National Assembly. Adding that, after plenary processes, the increment would be approve and then send for president assent, it is then an increase in the monthly stipend would be effected.
He noted that, we are all abreast of the cost of living in the country, and the monthly stipend of #60 Thousand naira, was no longer enough to meet the domestic needs of beneficiaries, hence the need for an upward review of the monthly allowance.
The ex-agitator, who is the Chairman of AbiriBobo Motor Park Security Network in yenagoa, maintained that, Dr. Otuaro has a spell out vision for the implementation of his programmes and activities to achieve results.
Abiri, who is also the Bayelsa state coordinator of the Third Phase of PAP, advised beneficiaries not to be swayed by negative political influence to foment crisis, but sustain the existing peace in the Niger Delta region.
According to him, Otuaro was not relaxing in his oasis, but tirelessly making representations to the National Assembly , National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and other relevant authorities to see to the increase of the monthly stipend to all delegates of the programme.
On other outstanding benefits to delegates, such as housing, rehabilitation, empowerment and training, among others, would be accomplish in due time.
He also noted that, Otuaro has always stand for peace and progress in the region. and has demonstrated leadership skills and has put PAP on the pedestal of growth.
He further said, over a year, Otuaro has surged the fortune and opportunities of beneficiaries as his performance standing at an all-time high.