N-Power beneficiaries across Nigeria have openly dared the Department of State Services (DSS) after reports emerged that the agency invited the group’s Adamawa State chairman for questioning.
The invitation reportedly followed statements from the beneficiaries threatening to withdraw support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over unpaid stipends owed to participants of the federal government’s social investment programme.
Addressing beneficiaries in a video message, the N-Power National Advisor, Kehinde James, confirmed the group’s frustration over delayed payments and warned that the beneficiaries were prepared to take political action if the situation continues.
“My name is Kehinde James, the N-Power National Advisor. This is Thursday, 12th March, 2020. I’m addressing all the N-Power beneficiaries of Nigeria,” he said while speaking from Airport Road in Abuja.
James said he had personally visited the ministry office in Abuja to seek clarification about the delay in payments.
“I went to the ministry office last week to see a minister regarding what is still holding our money. Although I did not see him, I saw one of the PAs,” he said.
According to him, the official told him that even the ministry wanted the stipends released as quickly as possible.
“He said our money, even the Minister of Power, is keen for that money to be paid. They said they are even more eager for the money to be released than even the N-Power beneficiaries,” he stated.
The development, however, took a different turn after reports surfaced that the DSS invited the Adamawa chairman of the beneficiaries’ group following their public threat to withdraw electoral support from the APC.
Reacting to the reported invitation, James said the group would not be intimidated by security agencies.
“So either DSS call us or DSS don’t call us, we are not kids. We are not small children. We are more than 18 years to decide our left from right,” he said.
He warned that the group could mobilise millions of beneficiaries across the country against the ruling party if their stipends remain unpaid.
“We are telling the federal government, APC-led government, that if they refuse to pay N-Power our money, we are going to withdraw our vote for APC,” James declared.
“All 1.5 N-Power, above 1.5 N-Power beneficiaries nationwide, we will not vote APC,” he added.
James insisted the group’s demand was simply for the government to pay what was owed.
“We cannot be intimidated by any DSS or police. This is our stand,” he said.
He also urged beneficiaries nationwide to remain calm while the leadership continues to push for the release of the unpaid stipends.
“So please, I urge all the N-Power beneficiaries to calm down. We are pushing for the payments,” he said.
