PAP: Otuaro defends BVN policy, highlights reforms
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has defended its enforcement of the Federal Government’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy, dismissing allegations against its administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, as attempts by individuals seeking to undermine ongoing reforms.
The programme said it would not bow to pressure or blackmail from individuals opposed to the policy, insisting that linking beneficiaries’ bank accounts to their BVNs was necessary to prevent fraud and promote financial transparency.
*Dr Dennis Otuaro
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has defended its enforcement of the Federal Government’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) policy, dismissing allegations against its administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, as attempts by individuals seeking to undermine ongoing reforms.
The programme said it would not bow to pressure or blackmail from individuals opposed to the policy, insisting that linking beneficiaries’ bank accounts to their BVNs was necessary to prevent fraud and promote financial transparency.
Otuaro’s Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Odums, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The statement accused some individuals in the Niger Delta of orchestrating a campaign of calumny against the administrator because of his administration’s commitment to financial discipline and efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices.
It maintained that the PAP was not exempt from the Federal Government’s BVN policy and urged anyone challenging its implementation to submit to the verification process.
“The PAP office cannot be the exception in the execution of the government’s policy on BVN designed to eradicate corruption in society,” the statement said.
It added that individuals allegedly using blackmail to pressure the programme into abandoning the policy should be subjected to appropriate scrutiny by security agencies.
According to the statement, some of Otuaro’s critics were unhappy because the ongoing reforms had shut down opportunities for securing inflated contracts and accessing programme funds through questionable practices.
The PAP stressed that resources earmarked for the educational and vocational empowerment of Niger Delta youths would not be diverted to satisfy individuals seeking personal benefits.
Highlighting the achievements of Otuaro’s administration, the programme said it had prioritised prudent financial management, human capital development and sustainable peace across the Niger Delta.
It disclosed that the administration had awarded 13,300 onshore scholarships and more than 500 offshore scholarships, while also distributing laptops to beneficiaries.
The programme said it had maintained regular payment of monthly stipends to former agitators and expanded training and employment opportunities for beneficiaries in the aviation and maritime sectors.
It added that four cadet pilots and 20 other aviation trainees had secured employment after completing their training, while 40 cadets were undergoing on-the-job training.
In the maritime sector, the PAP said 98 cadets had obtained professional certifications, while more than 360 stakeholders had received training in alternative dispute resolution and mediation.
The statement also highlighted Otuaro’s engagement with stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen peace-building initiatives and promote stability in the oil-rich region.
The programme urged members of the public to disregard allegations it described as false and intended to tarnish the administrator’s reputation and distract him from carrying out his responsibilities.
It also expressed appreciation to Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders for their support, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable peace, socio-economic development and community advancement across the region.
