....“Let the records speak for themselves,” Marbo says, challenging accuser to provide evidence

Chief Diplomat Amb. Adam E.O.O. Marbo has strongly denied allegations that he was sacked from the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) over alleged diversion of funds meant for traditional rulers, stakeholders and beneficiaries of the programme.

Marbo, who made the clarification in a statement issued for the purpose of setting the records straight, also dismissed allegations that he collected money from Egbema and Arogbo youths in exchange for promises of securing PAP scholarship opportunities for them.

The allegations were reportedly made during a Facebook live broadcast by one Freeborn Abraye.

Marbo described the claims as false and misleading, saying their seriousness and potential impact on his reputation and integrity compelled him to respond publicly.

“I have never collected money from Egbema youths, Arogbo youths, or anyone else on the promise of securing PAP scholarship benefits for them,” Marbo stated, challenging anyone with credible evidence to prove otherwise.

He further clarified that during his tenure as Head of the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution/Stakeholders Management Department of PAP, he was never entrusted with funds meant for traditional rulers, stakeholders, camp leaders or beneficiaries.

According to him, his official responsibilities centred on peacebuilding, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution and addressing grievances affecting PAP beneficiaries.

“My responsibility as Head of the Department was primarily to promote peace, build peace, engage stakeholders, investigate issues affecting PAP beneficiaries, and facilitate the amicable resolution of conflicts and grievances,” he said.

Marbo also provided an account of his journey within the Presidential Amnesty Programme, describing himself as an original beneficiary who personally went through the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process.

He said his experience as a beneficiary gave him first-hand knowledge of some of the challenges confronting PAP participants.

According to Marbo, he was among the early PAP students deployed through a vendor to Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, in 2011 during the administration of then Special Adviser Kingsley Kuku.

At the time, he said, he served as National Coordinator of PAP scholarship students across Nigeria and became actively involved in advocacy concerning the welfare of students.

Marbo said he particularly advocated for PAP to establish direct relationships with university authorities instead of relying excessively on vendors, citing concerns over tuition costs and students' welfare.

He said his engagements with the PAP Education Desk contributed to efforts that encouraged direct dealings with university management authorities.

Marbo also claimed that during that period, students' welfare allowances were increased from ₦25,000 to ₦70,000, while a ₦40,000 stationery allowance was approved for PAP students across the country.

Following the change of administration and the appointment of Brigadier General Paul Tarelah Boroh as Special Adviser, Marbo said he continued engaging the Amnesty Office over outstanding obligations relating to PAP beneficiaries.

He said his advocacy and engagements eventually preceded his employment into the Presidential Amnesty Office on 9 February 2016 as a Reintegration Officer.

Marbo added that he also advocated for other qualified PAP beneficiaries to be given opportunities to serve within the programme.

During his approximately nine years and three months associated with the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Marbo said he worked under different administrators, including Professor Charles Dokubo, Colonel Milland Dikio and Major General Tariye Ndiomu (rtd).

He also acknowledged working briefly under Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro before leaving the office on 14 October 2024.

According to Marbo, he was never invited, questioned or sanctioned over allegations of financial mismanagement during his years of service.

He encouraged anyone who doubts his account to approach the appropriate authorities and examine his official records and activities at the Presidential Amnesty Office.

Marbo also rejected an allegation that he works for High Chief Bibopre, popularly known as Gen. Shoot Eyes Sight; Dr. Ebikabowei Ben, popularly known as Gen. Boyloaf; and Apostle Ezekiel Daniel.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I have no engagement, or formal working arrangement with the aforementioned personalities,” he stated.

He explained that his public interventions on issues concerning the sons and daughters of the Ijaw Nation were motivated by his personal conviction that differences among the people should be resolved through dialogue rather than division.

“As a son of the Ijaw Nation, I have the fundamental right to express my views on issues affecting our people,” Marbo said.

He maintained that his advocacy has consistently focused on peace, reconciliation, justice and unity among the Ijaw people.

In his concluding remarks, Marbo challenged those making allegations against him to produce credible and verifiable evidence rather than relying on social media broadcasts and what he described as unsubstantiated claims.

He said he would not be distracted by what he termed blackmail, propaganda or false narratives, insisting that his years of service and official records could be independently scrutinised.

“Truth does not need propaganda to survive. Records speak for themselves,” Marbo declared.

The statement was signed by Chief Diplomat Amb. Adam E.O.O. Marbo, National President, ND-PYLF, The Ibe-Ebidouwei 1 of Egbema Kingdom, also known as “The Voice of the Voiceless.”