Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, has said that it was not a policy of President Umaru Yar’Adua’s government to induce militants monetarily
The Minister who denied the report that N200 million gratification for militants in the Niger Delta was siphoned by him, in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Ekenwan Akwagbe, said there was no iota of truth in the publication, which he described as the handiwork of his political enemies.
Akwagbe in the statement he signed on behalf of the minister said neither the Federal Government nor the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs at any time gave Orubebe N200 million to the disburse to militants.
He said: “The administration of President Yar’Adua abhors financial inducements because it would not solve the problems plaguing the region. I strictly adhered to this wise and courageous stand of the President.
The recent blackmail on the pages of newspapers against my person and office is the evil machination of mischief makers who are bent on ensuring the failure of the presidential peace and development initiatives in the region.
“Their action will only propel me to work harder for the good of the entire Niger Delta. In fact, I have asked the publishers of the blatant falsehood to be ready to substantiate the allegations raised against me in a court of law.
“But I will not be deterred and detracted by their antics. Rather, I will gather more strength and wisdom to pursue and deliver the vision of Mr. President in the Niger Delta,” he said.