PAP Administrator: Group says enough of Bayelsa Ijaw Administrators; wants Buhari to consider other states

By Deji Abdulwahab

The Niger Delta Youths Leaders’ Association has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to review the appointment of Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, as interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The group President-General, Lucky Emonefe, said the position had been dominated and occupied by only indigenes from Ijaw ethnic group of Niger Delta, especially those from Bayelsa, since inception of PAP.

Emonefe urged President Muhammadu Buhari to review Ndiomu’s appointment in line with the principles of federal character, equity and justice.

Buhari, had in a statement on Thursday by his Spokesman, Femi Adesina, appointed Ndiomu as the interim Administrator of PAP.

Emonefe said: “The attention of the Niger Delta Youth Leaders’ Association has been drawn to the appointment of Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu, as the Interim Administrator of the PAP by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday Sept. 15, 2022.

“While we, as a body and the general public have no ill feelings toward the person and character of Maj.-Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu.

“However, our grouse with the appointment sterns from the fact that the position and seat has been monopolised, personalised and dominated by the Ijaws of Niger Delta, especially those from Bayelsa State of Nigeria alone right from its inception.

“This has been done because same have been aided by successive governments and not limited to that of the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari,’’ group leader said.

According to him, Niger Delta comprises several nations, tribes and ethnicities and not Ijaws alone.

“Niger Delta also comprises different states ranging from Rivers, Delta, Edo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Ondo, Cross Rivers and Bayelsa respectively.’’

Emonefe said the PAP was not created for Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation alone, but for the entire Niger Delta States, tribes, nations and ethnicities.

“Therefore, we the entire members of the Niger Delta Youth Leaders’ Association and the general public unequivocally and staunchly reject the appointment of Retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu, as the Interim Administrator of the PAP.

“This is akin to lack of equity, fairness and justice to the rest of the Niger Delta States, tribes, nations and ethnicities.

“The continuous stay and or appointment of Ndiomu as the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Program will spell doom and gloom to the rest of the Niger Delta States,’’ he said.

Emonefe, however, urged the president to review Ndiomu’s appointment as the PAP interim Administrator by replacing him with another from any of the Niger Delta States.

According to him, Niger Delta people have other capable hands with impeccable character to do the job to perfection. (NAN)