Ex-Agitator, Tanga, Begs Amnesty Boss Over Delisted Beneficiaries With BVN Issues
By Ezekiel Kagbala
An Ex-Niger Delta agitator who styled himself as General Dennis Tanga has appealed to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, to reinstate four members from his camp who were purportedly delisted from the payroll on October 25th, 2022, following BVN related issues.
Tanga who is the camp leader of Odudukuro camp in Ovia South-West Local government Area of Edo State, made the appeal in a signed statement, copies of which were made available to journalists in Benin on Wednesday.
He noted in the statement that "four men from the camp have not been receiving stipends due to some issues with Bank Verification Number (BVN) and an appeal is being made on their behalf to be re-enlisted".
According to him, as the camp leader of Odudukuro camp, he is disturbed that his men are no longer receiving their stipends.
Tanga, who is the leader of Odudukuro camp AKA Yanyanbo in Phase 3 of PAP, stated that since the former camp leader, Samson E. Funpuwei, has died, he has been recognized as the current camp leader, even by the PAP as a critical stakeholder.
While commending the Amnesty Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro whom he described as "an exemplary leader", Tanga expressed confidence that the Amnesty boss will look into the matter dispassionately in the overall interest of the Programme.
Tanga emphasized that Otuaro's capacity to pilot the affairs of the Programme is not in doubt noting that he has been "breaking new grounds with his strategic engagements of critical stakeholders including beneficiaries, traditional rulers, men, women and his newly proposed benefit for impacted communities".
Tanga also pleaded with the Federal Government to "increase the budget of the Amnesty Programme for the increment of stipends".
Tanga remarked that "anyone who attempts to distract the Amnesty administrator with frivolous allegations will only end up on the wrong side of history".
He said, "I apeal to our people especially to shun any form of pull-him-down syndrome which could hinder further benefits that will acrue to our region. Otuaro should be allowed to concentrate and do more.
"Petitions, allegations are being used by some enemies of the region to distract Otuaro's efforts and if it continues, it would jeopardize progress and negatively affect the programmes that Otuaro would ordinarily embark on in the best interest of the region.
"Otuaro's achievements within his short time in office are laudable. You exceed our expectations in terms of readjustment of the Programme which has brought about positive changes for our region. Some minor distractions from enemies of the region should not deter you from actualizing all the positively impactful programmes that you have planned".
