TheCable

Mutu Nicholas (pictured left), representative of Bomadi/Patani constituency in the house of representatives, says he has nothing to do with the “ghost names” in the Niger Delta amnesty programme.

Reacting to reports that he nominated some persons for the programme, Nicholas said none of the beneficiaries of the programme is from him, maintaining that he has not been given any slot.

The lawmaker said his constituents would be given priority if the opportunity of nominating persons for the programme, arises.

“I Barr. Ebitimi Ogbomah legislative aide to Rt. Hon. Mutu Nicholas states and clarifies that there are two committees in the house of representatives responsible for the oversight of Niger Delta affairs/issues, they are the committee on Niger Delta Development Commission and the Committee on Niger Delta,” read a statement issued on behalf of the lawmaker.

“The committee on Niger Delta Development Commission which was chaired by Hon. Mutu  Nicholas was responsible for the oversight of the NDDC and it had nothing to do with the ministry of Niger Delta and the amnesty programme.

“While the committee on Niger Delta oversight the ministry of Niger Delta and the amnesty programme. I wish to state further that Hon. Mutu Nicholas has never been given any slot or nomination in the amnesty programme by either the office of the SA on amnesty programme or any other person and as such his constituents have never benefited from the amnesty programme through him.

“I wish to also state here that Hon. Mutu Nicholas is known for his generosity and as such if given slots or nominations for the amnesty program, he will never hesitate to give it out to his constituents.

“This clarification becomes necessary as a result of the unfounded lies being circulated concerning the purported ghost names in the amnesty programme.”