A’Ibom Ex-Militant Forum demands investigation into alleged corruption, marginalization in PAP
BY THERESA DONATUS, UYO.
The Akwa Ibom Ex-Militant Forum Phase II has formally petitioned the authorities, bringing to light what it calls “serious irregularities and neglect” within the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
The petition, submitted on behalf of ex-agitators from Akwa Ibom State and other concerned stakeholders on Wednesday, accuses the PAP of systemic corruption, exclusion of Akwa Ibom beneficiaries, and mismanagement of resources meant for training, education, and empowerment.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme, initially established to rehabilitate ex-militants and facilitate peace in the Niger Delta region, has come under intense scrutiny due to allegations of favoritism, fraud, and exclusion of deserving beneficiaries.
One of the primary grievances highlighted in the petition is the systemic exclusion of Akwa Ibom State’s ex-agitators from PAP’s programs.
Despite being eligible for training, scholarships, and empowerment opportunities, the petitioners claim that beneficiaries from Akwa Ibom have been deliberately sidelined.
Notably, around 500 ex-agitators, who surrendered under the guidance of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, are said to have been “de-recognized” by PAP officials. The petition also alleges that officials have allowed individuals from outside the state, including a group from Bayelsa, to fill these vacant slots, further marginalizing Akwa Ibom residents.
The petition claims that over N6 billion has been misappropriated from the PAP through unauthorized payments and fraudulent transactions.
” These funds, intended for the education and empowerment of ex-agitators, are alleged to have been diverted, leaving genuine beneficiaries disenfranchised. The forum calls for an urgent investigation into these financial discrepancies.” The petition Read.
In an alarming revelation, the petitioners have pointed out that the scholarship program meant for 1,700 beneficiaries in the 2024/2025 academic year was marred by corruption.
A recent publication about the scholarship awards shows beneficiaries aged between 16 and 25 years, a stark contrast to the original ex-militants, who, by the program’s design, should be at least 35 years old.
The petition accuses PAP officials of awarding scholarships to their family members and friends rather than the deserving ex-agitators.
Also added that For several years, members of the Ukanafun Freedom Fighters group from Akwa Ibom have reportedly not received their monthly stipends, despite continuous correspondence with the PAP. These individuals, who have been waiting for payments since 2010, believe they have been neglected in favor of other, more politically connected beneficiaries.
According to the petition, PAP officials have overstated the number of beneficiaries who have received training and empowerment. The program reportedly claimed to have trained 20,000 beneficiaries by 2023, yet the petitioners note that the number of beneficiaries still receiving payments exceeds 30,000, suggesting significant discrepancies.
The Akwa Ibom Ex-Militant Forum has outlined several urgent demands, including a call for a restructuring of the program to ensure that the interests of all ex-agitators are represented, with a focus on Akwa Ibom’s long-neglected beneficiaries.
The forum demands an investigation into the 2024/2025 scholarship awards, specifically the eligibility of the listed beneficiaries, and the involvement of PAP staff in fraudulent activities.
A comprehensive audit is requested to review all funds allocated for scholarships, training, and empowerment, ensuring that resources are being used effectively and transparently.
The forum insists on the immediate inclusion of Akwa Ibom ex-militants in future scholarship and vocational training programs.
The petition calls for the prosecution of those responsible for the alleged misappropriation of over N6 billion in funds.
The forum expresses deep concern over the lack of action taken by the PAP despite several previous petitions and media publications highlighting the same issues. They vowed to organize a peaceful protest and hold a press conference in collaboration with civil society organizations if their demands were not addressed promptly.
The petition, signed by Elder Imoh Stephen Ofoko, leader of the Akwa Ibom Ex-Militant Forum Phase II, has been forwarded to several key figures, including the National Security Adviser, the Senate President, the EFCC, and other relevant authorities.
The forum maintains that these issues must be resolved to restore the integrity of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and ensure that the benefits of the program reach those who truly need them. The forum’s leadership has stressed that it is committed to upholding the spirit of the program but cannot remain passive in the face of what it describes as a growing culture of corruption and injustice.
