Presidential Amnesty Program to prosecute vendors, contractors over fraud

Abimbola Abatta

Following the fraudulent acts committed by some vendors and contractors, the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd) has said erring vendors would face prosecution.

Established in 2009, the amnesty programme aims to end the disruptive protests in the oil producing Niger Delta.

The Interim Administrator disclosed that the PAP is currently investigating the extent of the fraudulent activities, adding that it will not stop the payment of those whose contracts have been verified.

He, however, noted that “vendors/contractors whose contracts have not been revalidated, have not received an approval to self-fund or been mobilised for their respective contracts are advised to suspend and maintain the status quo.”

In his words, “the Presidential Amnesty Programme has uncovered unsavoury acts of fraud perpetrated by some vendors/contractors.

“The office is currently investigating these activities to determine how widespread and the extent of involvement or connivance with internal elements within the programme.

“PAP will not stop the payment of those whose contracts and documents have been verified and reconciled as soon as the expected funds are released.”

Meanwhile, in 2020, the Presidential Amnesty Programme paid a minimum of 104 contractors who had been previously owed.

Dikio maintained that “this process will continue until everyone is paid what they are owed, subject to the availability of funds.

“While the continuing process is evidence of the PAP’s commitment to its mandate which covers the delegates, the investigations will continue to ascertain the issues that gave rise to this allegation,” he added.