Niger Delta Elders and Traditional rulers under the aegis of the Coalition of Ex-Militant Leaders, has petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over the alleged fraud and diversion of funds in the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the Interim Coordinator, Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd.).
The petition dated 7th of February 2023, alleged forgery of Late Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo’s signature to back date contract award letters.
The group led by former General Boma Inewariku, Gabriel Atumani Victor and James Ebiaredei Collins, urged that the Interim Administrator, Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd), be suspended to anable proper investigations into the alleged forging of the signature of Late Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo to illegally back-date and award contracts worth billions of naira in order to raise payments for some persons within the Presidency, including the President’s Nephew Mamman Daura to fulfil his alleged pledge of N5billion as returns for his appointment as Amnesty Boss.
The letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Security Adviser, NSA, Major General Babagana Mohammed Monguno (rtd.), wants the Amnesty Boss investigated for “continuous involvement with top Amnesty officials in multiple cases of alleged open public funds embezzlement, fraud and corruption with his cohorts and the brazen demand for returns for their appointment into top offices at the Amnesty office.”
The group further mentioned that appointment into the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) should be on merit and service to the Niger Delta People.
“Therefore, as stakeholders from the Niger Delta region and owners of the PAP, we cannot continue to remain silent as our resources are continually been siphoned by corrupt individuals, and for the memories of our loved ones who sacrificed, fought and thousands of them died prior to the proclamation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in 2009 be destroyed by an incompetent and corrupt individual. Since the appointment of the present administration into the Presidential Amnesty office, not a single PAP beneficiary or anyone from the Niger Delta region have been deployed for training or empowered.
“Our children are not trained and empowered, and worst still, Ndiomu continues to delist our people from the Amnesty programme in order to divert their legitimate payments for himself and his aides, knowing that his tenure expires in about 22 days (1st March 2023). The Present management of the Amnesty office cannot list a single achievement since his appointment to date, rather, the Amnesty Programme and the Niger Delta region has been in chaos with unrelenting allegations of blatant public funds stealing, fraud and corruption.
“We, Boma Inewariku, Gabriel Atumani Victor, James Ebiaredei Collins of the Coalition of Ex-militant Leaders, in our previous petitions to you, have called on your good office to immediately suspend Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd.) Management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and in his place, appoint the most senior civil servant to take over the running and administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme pending the outcome of the investigation against the Interim Administration.
“We, have it on good authority that officials of the Presidential Amnesty office have paid monies to get appointments including the position of Interim Administrator and that they needed to raise back these fund. Merely three days after new management was set up on the 15th September, 2022. That later in a separate meetings, with Administration Director (DA): Ms. Khalimat Balogun, they were advised to hire two of his predecessor’s closed aides, of which one of them had been terminated for gross misconduct. He is one Flt. Lt. Terry Ajobena (rtd.). He was reinstated as the Technical Adviser (TA), and the other Mr. Wilfred Musa -Head of Reintegration (HOR). So that her own end can be covered by the duo – Wilfred Musa (HOR) and Flt. Lt. Terry Ajobena (rtd.) TA.
“That at the inception of this administration, there was N600M (Six hundred million naira) in the coffers of the office. If not for graft or embezzlement, an interim management with a mandate to wind down an office in six months, should not be procuring new vehicles under any guise if not for the huge fraudulent scheme masterminded and operationalised DP – Mr. Simone Omachoko and his team, Gotham Edwards -a retired procurement officer who has been converted to a consultant staff to continue in his clandestine activities; and Jide Odofina level 9 procurement officer.
“That kickbacks were made from the vehicle purchased of over N150M (One hundred and fifty million naira) from DP’s and DA’s team. The PVs are there for your records. That the duo of Ado Dikko and Simone Omachoko advised him to appoint an independent aide to be in charge of the coordination, since they are civil servants, but they are willing to facilitates the process for him and look at other loophole in the system he can take advantage of.. The duo firstly advised the new Interim Administrator – to increase the security vote that had been newly reviewed upward by his predecessors – Col. Miland Dixon Dikkio (rtd.) from N30M (Thirty million naira) to N50M (Fifty million naira), so it was further reviewed upward by the Interim Administrator -Gen. Ndiomu (rtd.) to N80m (Eighty million naira) without following any upward review process.
They also claimed that on the duo’s advice, Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd.) led management appointed one Lt. Col. S. S Ringim (rtd.) as special adviser logistics (SA Logistics) who now champions and the act of facilitating the funds directly through bureau du change operators. That he Lt. Col. S. S. Ringim, facilitates and supervises the funds directly from the accounts department in connivances with the DFA – Ado Dikko, raising payment voucher (PV) credit distribution into various account department officers, ranging from N30M- (Thirty million naira), N40M – Forty million naira), N50M – (Fifty million naira), N60M- (Sixty million naira) and other configuration …., in similar sums. Lt. Col. S. S. Ringim (Rtd), knowing that his responsibilities are criminal, but he willfully takes the risk for his appointor – Gen. Ndiomu, who signs all the approvals on all the payments “Advance Payments”.”
“He Lt. Col. S. S. Ringhim (rtd.), pays back all bank charges accrued to the accounting officers whose accounts were used in the graft transactions of naira for naira and kobo for kobo. As part of the reward of aiding & abetting the fastest known graft in the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the accounting staff were fully sponsored to attend training course in Kent- United Kingdom in the week of 21st November 2022.
“That, Gen. Ndiomu (rtd.) also in the same vein appointed one Mr. Inemotimi Angalapele as Special Adviser on stakeholders’ matters, otherwise called (SA – Stakeholders Matters). That the relationship between Angalapele (SA Stakeholders Matter) and Lt. Col. S. S. Ringim (Rtd)- SA logistics, is that funds already paid to SA Stakeholders matters is also taking as advance/project account. Which is a systematic graft process in “double payment or double accounting” and procedure implemented by Gen. Ndiomu (rtd.)”
“Remember that there were two directors he solicited to brainstorm on the graft before perpetuation, DFA – Ado Dikko mentioned in paragraph 3 & 5; now introducing the dimension of the Director of Procurement – Simone Omachoko. In his own department, he superintends mainly cooked up supply contracts with mainly two of his officers: Mr. Edward Gotham (EG) – a retired Level 14 Procurement officer, who had been in that office since 2013, and had been in charge of the stores. Taking delivered supplies as supplied but returning back to the supplier at exchange value; After retirement he committed his services to a consultant’s staff as the “Don of Procurement department” continue in acts of blatant theft/graft/forgery…. And one Mr. Jide Odofin (JO) a level 9 Procurement officer, who started his career in that office over 3 years ago. He cooks the book for bought Award letters, re-write tender boards document for graft purposes, under the supervision of Edward Gotham and Simone Omachoko.”
“That, under the watch of Gen. Ndiomu (rtd.), a contractor by the name of Ms. Charity Vedelago who claimed to be a big sister to Gen. Ndiomu (rtd.) Partnered with the accounting staff who recognizes that her supplies files are forged by printing new award letters under the administration of Brig. Gen. Paul T. Boreh (rtd.), former Coordinator on Presidential Amnesty Programme. His signature is forged on the award letters about 20 such files from the same lady, each award letter exchange monetary value is N99M – (Nighty nine million naira). Also, details of other procurement officers are also forged in the files by GE and JO. “
“Knowing that the files will be asked to be checked by the procurement department for authenticity; to the novice or unsuspecting mind, it looks right after the perfection and cook up, then payment voucher is raised and sent to audit, and account finalises the graft.
“That the week starting 10th of October 2022, disagreement ensued between the DPSimone Omachoko and DFA – Ado Dikko over who is best servicing the financial embezzlement of the interim Administrator (IA) – Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd.). It seems that the DFA is having a field day as he has managed to impress the ‘IA’ with over N1.2B (One billion and two hundred million naira) – using tribal and religious affiliates with the slush fund launderer in the person of Lt. Col. S. S. Ringim (Rtd)- SA Logistics.”
“ As reiterated in paragraph 11, the animosity between the duo was so bad that their subordinates are all aware of it. The account staff rebelled at the fact that payment voucher were raised with their names but without any part of the fund coming back to them on what they were promised and foreign trips as far as they keep their mouth short, this was barely the 4TH week into Ndiomu’s administration. In the week commencing 24th of October 2022, the SA logistics. – Lt. Col. S. S Ringim (rtd.), asked the similar slush fund same or similar scenario to paragraph 5. The account officers revolted, and the advance/project payment was routed directly with payment voucher in Lt. Col. S. S. Ringim (Rtd) name.
“The amount is N77M – (Seventyseven million naira). 20. In determining the graft, embezzlement, self-enrichment, abuse of public fund case all parties mentioned in the report, it is important to mention the fact that he the interim administrator is the coordinator of the said fraudulent act and should be made to account for the funds meant to pay genuine contractors who are been punished for not accepting to bribe or part with their contract payment that has diminished in value over the years.“
“That no staff under this current dispensation is allowed to call for files except the named person appointed by the IA in the person of one Mr. Miebi, who under the instruction of the IA can process any file for an agreed fee by the chief executive.
“In keeping a strong and unapproachable front, he yells and shout in pretense that he is a corruption free Czar, accusing other staff of corrupt practices and thieves, whereas he is the worst of all. But looking very deeply into the person he obviously acts out as someone with certain health challenges of the mind.
“As of the time of his appointment -15th September 2022 and resumption on the 19th September 2022 as stated in paragraph 4, there was N600M (Six hundred million naira), and subsequently as at 7th weeks into his administration, over N10.4B (Ten billion and four hundred million) came into the Amnesty coffers; This from the monthly allocation of N5.4B (Five billion and four million naira). “
“They had accused his staff of systemic graft of selling scholarship slot, but they master-minded the greatest graft which stands at over N2.5B (Two billion five hundred million naira) as of the 7th week after their appointment. In total so far, N11.4B (Eleven billion and four hundred million naira) has been expended with lots of questionable expenditures, aside from the N2.5B (Two billion and five hundred million) or more that comes to the interim administrator in misappropriation and graft, about N2B plus (Two billion naira) plus went to the trio of DA, PD & the DFA and their team members. The records are still very much there and fresh. That came from the N11.4B (Eleven billion and four million naira), so far under him.
“It is a shame that the agencies saddled with anti-graft responsibilities has been reduced to accomplices as their officers has connived with the perpetrators in sharing of the loot.
“We are calling on you the National Security Adviser to recommend to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) GCFR to immediately suspend the interim administrator Maj. Gen Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd.), and all the aforementioned accomplices and investigate and bring them all to book.
“That, the essence of suspending all aforementioned in the alleged fraud, is to ensure they do not tamer with or destroy all vital or important evidence(s). Sir, we know that his late father (Late Maj Gen Charles Bebeye Ndiomu) was known to you but we believe that his appointment was made on the bases of certain assumption at the time, but he has all eagerly betrayed your trust and betray the oat of the rank of a retired Major General and has acted as a common criminal if these allegations are proved to be true Sir. Please leave a legacy and stand with the genuine contractors who have unpaid bank loads occasioned by organised crime that has riddled this office since the beginning of your administration to date.”
“We hope his case will not be swept under like his cousin brother Prof. Nelson Brambaifa -Former acting MD Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). It appears that there is a ‘genetic factors’ representing a particular source of influence of criminal behaviour’ in the duo of Maj. Gen Barry Ndiomu (Rtd) and his cousin Prof. Nelson Brambaifa. This heinous criminality should not be allowed without bringing them to book. Sir if there is no consequences for this kind of behaviour or alleged abuse of office, then we as a nation cannot move forward sir.
“Sir, it seems the cousin brother in Prof. Nelson Brambaifa has committed all those financial atrocities and nothing has happened to him, so that has emboldened Maj Gen. Barry Ndiomu (Rtd) to carry on as if he is untouchable! “
“We have no fate or hope in the graft agencies has they have either shredded the allegations and facts provided to them or in connivance with the perpetrators of this graft all together.
“Sir, we are hopeful that you will swing into action and safe the massive, alleged looting going on at Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP),” the letter read.
MEANWHILE, the Niger Delta Integrity Group (NDIG) has “noted with utmost dismay” saying that the allegations in the said letter are lies “from the pit of hell” and should be ignored.
“The Niger Delta Integrity Group (NDIG) has noted with utmost dismay, a fictitious, faceless and non-existent pack of so-called “Elders” and “Traditional Rulers” in the Niger Delta region, who are calling for the suspension of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
“Not only is the act of these elements disgraceful, they are also not known, whether as Elders, Traditional Rulers, or as Ex-Agitators captured in the database of the PAP.
“Among other nefarious allegations of the group, the shameful claim that the signature of late Professor Charles Dokubo was forged by the current PAP administration to backdate contract award letters to contractors, is a lie from the pit of hell. Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large are therefore encouraged to disregard their claims, as they are empty and baseless. Their antics are mere ploys to gain attention and swindle monies from the PAP.
“The group allegedly led by one former General Boma Inewariku, Gabriel Atumani Victor and James Ebiaredei Collins, should bear in mind that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) are too busy with the important task of fixing the country, and as such, may not have time to look at their frivolous petitions, let alone consider it.
“We have it on good authority that these faceless groups are acting out of frustration, because the new PAP administration which upholds a high level of integrity, has blocked all loopholes from where they get free monies for contracts not executed.
“Since he came on board as Interim Administrator of the PAP, Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd) has initiated strategic processes to ensure that the Programme fulfil its mandate. His early track records speaks volumes, and remains unmatched.
Calling on “Niger Deltans and Nigerians at large to disregard” the letter, the Convenor of NDIG, Dr. Boma Horsfall, cautioned the “fake Elders and Traditional Rulers” to desist from spreading baseless rumors and “urge” General Ndiomu not to be distracted.
“We hereby caution the fake Elders and Traditional Rulers to desist from spreading falsehood about a man who Niger Delta youths consider a gift to the PAP. We urge General Ndiomu to remain focused on his mandate, and not be distracted by these sponsored lies.”
NDIG also called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Security Adviser, NSA, General Babagana Mohamed Moguno, to direct the authorities to investigate and question the said group.
“We also urge President Buhari and the NSA to direct appropriate authorities to invite them for questioning.”
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