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The Presidential Amnesty Office (PAO) on Friday began paying the outstanding May allowance of N65,000 each to ex-militants in the Niger Delta who are beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Head of Media and Communication of PAO, said in a statement that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced the payment approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Alabrah said: “The outstanding stipends will be paid in batches. We have commenced payment with the outstanding May 2015 stipends. That of June and July will be paid afterwards.
“The outstanding allowances and school/training fees of beneficiaries will be cleared at the end of the ongoing verification exercise of genuine claims. Hopefully, the other payments will commence soon once the verification team concludes its exercise.”
On July 28, 2015, President Buhari appointed retired Brig-General Paul Tarila Boroh as the PAP Coordinator and Special Adviser on Niger Delta.
On assumption of office the next day, Boroh immediately set up a seven-man committee to undertake a verification of claims.
The coordinator said the approval granted by the President for commencement of payment was “heartwarming.”
“Mr. President has by his approval demonstrated his commitment to strengthening the Amnesty Programme. It is heartwarming that he graciously approved funds so as to quickly resolve the issues that have affected the smooth running of the programme.
“Now, beneficiaries whose training or studies have been affected can look forward to resuming their studies sooner than later. We are committed to a quick resolution of all outstanding issues, including the training fees,” Boroh said.
