The Management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has dismissed a report published by an online platform, alleging that the programme was embroiled in sharp corrupt activities.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant, Media, to PAP, Thomas Peretu, denied the allegations, describing the report as unsubstantiated. PAP has therefore given the publication seven days to retract the story and offer a public apology, failure of which a legal redress would be sought.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Management of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has been drawn to a spurious story published
on the 3rd of January, 2023, by PMEXPRESS, an online publication.
“The author of the unsubstantiated story, one Aisha Abubakar, alleged that some staff members of the finance and audit departments are involved in mind-boggling corrupt practises through what she called “Advance Payment”, despite the new Interim Administrator’s concerted efforts to stamp out corruption in the system.
“The story entitled, “Presidential Amnesty Programme Still A Cesspool of Mind-Boggling Corruption”, was nothing but a figment of the author’s imagination.
“From all indications, the misguided reporter was on a mission to dent the image of the programme.
“We are at a loss to understand what the writer means by ‘Advance Payment’ (AP) and how it is being used to perpetrate fraud in the system.
“It is unfortunate that the reporter did not substantiate her bogus claims with verifiable evidence of corruption in the programme.
“The story is diversionary and totally at variance with the good traditions of journalism.
“We challenge the reporter or her co-travellers to provide proof of her claim with facts and figures of such “mind boggling” underhand dealings.”
“We hereby demand an unreserved public apology from the reporter and the PMEXPRESS for misleading the public.
“The management of the PAP may be constrained to take legal action to redeem its image.
“The author of the report and the PMEXPRESS are hereby given seven work-ing days from today, Thursday, 5th January, 2023, to retract the story, and render public apology to PAP or be faced with a legal action.
“In the meantime, we enjoin the public to dis-countenance the said report because it lacks merit and does not represent the real picture of activities at the PAP.”
About the Author
My name is Aherhoke Odeh Amos Okioma. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Archeology with a second class Lower Division from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1989. I also posses a Diploma in Journalism ( in view ) from the International Institute of Journalism, Yenagoa Campus.
I have been practicing journalism for over fifteen years now. I hail from Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta state. Am married with children.
