A cloud of controversy hangs over the Presidential Amnesty Office as allegations of a staggering N1.9 billion fraud involving deducted funds from trainees and beneficiaries of the Train, Employ and Mentor (TIEM) Programme have come to light. The alleged fraudulent activity centers around the Reintegration Department of the office, prompting calls for a transparent investigation into the matter.
The N1.9 billion in question was purportedly deducted from contracts executed under the TIEM Programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing training, employment, and mentorship for beneficiaries to ensure their smooth reintegration into society post-program. These allegations have cast a shadow over the integrity of the TIEM Programme, initially introduced by former Interim Administrator Col Dikio.
Investigations reveal that upon assuming leadership, General Ndiomu (Rtd.) discontinued the training of the 1,200 delegates who were undergoing the TIEM Programme, opting instead to conduct a premature graduation for them. Subsequently, contract renegotiations took place, where the ‘Employ and Mentor’ component was removed, promising direct empowerment to beneficiaries. However, concerns have arisen as the Integration Office reportedly deducted N1.9 billion from these contracts, which was meant to empower the delegates.
The beneficiaries, who were eagerly awaiting their empowerment, have expressed deep discontent and suspicions that the deducted funds have been diverted by the office. The contractors involved in the renegotiated contracts, including Bradama International Skill Works Limited, Sunup Logistics Limited, Krisdera Agro Allied Farms, Teecentennel Nigeria Limited, Betrieb Limited, and Vika Farms Limited, have reportedly been implicated in this controversy.
Furthermore, the Head of Reintegration, Mr. Wilfred Musa, faces allegations of masterminding the delay or disappearance of the Two Months In-Training Allowance, originally intended for the delegates. It is alleged that Mr. Musa instructed the contractors to withhold the funds, citing incomplete training periods as the reason.
The controversy has escalated, leading to internal tensions within the Amnesty Office. The Head of the Amnesty Office reportedly ordered the confiscation of staff phones, citing concerns of information leakage and a reported clash with Chief Timipre Sylva. In a move that has raised eyebrows, staff members were compelled to submit their phones for scrutiny.
Amidst these developments, concerned delegates are appealing to the National Security Agency (NSA), which oversees the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), to intervene and ensure transparency in the investigation. The delegates, fearing that the diverted funds may not be recovered, seek reassurance that the financial irregularities will be addressed.
As the allegations of the N1.9 billion diversion reverberate, stakeholders and the public await a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter. The credibility and integrity of the Presidential Amnesty Programme hang in the balance, highlighting the need for accountability and adherence to ethical practices in the handling of public funds.
