PAP: “260 slots allotted to BFF Camp belongs to us, disregard faceless group claiming ownership” -Ex-militants tells Amnesty Boss
By Passman Akpos
The leadership of the Phase II of the presidential Amnesty Programme has claimed ownership of 260 slots designated to Bakassi freedom fighters camp in the presidential Amnesty Programme.
Tarakirivoice learnt that in a Recent publication there has been a growing concern over a planned protest by a group of individuals who falsely claimed to be members of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF) amnesty camp. These individuals alleged that they were being denied their stipends under the Presidential Amnesty Programme for over 12 years. However, in a closer examination, it reveals that their claims are not only misleading but also unfounded.
Recall, the phase II of the presidential Amnesty Programme has over 6,166 Ex-agitators split among different Camps with Camps leaders(generals) numbering over 110 members. Each of these camp leaders know and recognize themselves.
In a recent development as reported by Tarakirivoice, many of these camps has the issue of missing slots in the presidential Amnesty Office, and this and many other things, made the leaders of Phase II of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to Petition the presidential Amnesty office before the House Committee on public Petition in the National House of Representatives during the tenure of the former Interim Administrator.
In the inception of the current Administrator, Chief Dennis Brutus Otuaro PhD, the matter was withdrawn, as a result of the management style of the current Administrator, who has genuine interest for the Phase II, of the presidential Amnesty Programme, and promised to resolve every outstanding issue.
The leadership of phase II in a statement, made available to Tarakirivoice, signed by few of the leaders, Among those include; Gen. Aso Tambo, Amb. Kingsley Muturu, Gen. John Esuku, Gen. Paul Johnson, Gen. Solomon Adu and Gen. Gift AGAMENE, called on the Administrator of the presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Brutus Otuaro PhD to disregard any group claiming ownership of BFF Camp and the 260 slots designated to it, that all those slots belongs to the Phase II of the presidential Amnesty Programme.
The statement reads in part,
“A Call for Clarity: Addressing the False Claims by Alleged Bakassi Freedom Fighters.
The leadership of the second phase presidential Amnesty programme, have come out bold to clear the general public concerning the recent publication titled ‘’Ex-Agitators Threaten To Lock Down Abuja Over Non Payment of 12 Years Stipends’’.
Recently, there has been a growing concern over a planned protest by a group of individuals who falsely claim to be members of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF) amnesty camp. These individuals allege that they are being denied their stipends under the Presidential Amnesty Programme for over 12 years. However, a closer examination reveals that their claims are not only misleading but also unfounded.
First and foremost, the 260 slots designated for the BFF under the Presidential Amnesty Programme belong strictly to the second phase beneficiaries. The individuals planning this protest are actually beneficiaries of the first phase of the amnesty programme and have no legitimate claim to the slots or stipends assigned to the second phase beneficiaries of the presidential amnesty programme.
It is also critical to correct a major falsehood being propagated: Gen. Franklyn Duduku is not the leader of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters camp. The legitimate leader of the camp is Jephter William, who has been at the forefront of guiding the camp’s members through the amnesty process and ensuring that the rightful beneficiaries receive their entitlements. This false narrative about leadership is yet another attempt to create confusion and stir unrest.
While everyone has the right to peaceful protest, it is important that such actions are based on truth and facts. The Presidential Amnesty Programme is structured to provide support to individuals who have genuinely participated in its phases and who meet the necessary criteria. The exploitation of this platform by individuals falsely claiming membership in the BFF not only undermines the integrity of the amnesty programme but also disrespects the real beneficiaries who have abided by the rules.
The government, along with relevant stakeholders, should ensure that these matters are addressed promptly and that the legitimate members of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters continue to receive their entitlements without undue interference.
Misinformation and false claims only serve to delay and hinder peace-building efforts in the Niger Delta.
In conclusion, the planned protest by those falsely claiming to be members of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters is based on misinformation. The true beneficiaries and leadership of the camp must be acknowledged and paid, and those spreading falsehoods should refrain from actions that disrupt the peace and progress of the region.
**Aso Tambou, Amb. Kingsley Muturu, John Esuku, Gift Agamene, Paul Johnson and Solomon Adu”
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