THE NATION

Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd), has urged members of PAP’s Strategic Communications Committee to change negative public perception about the scheme.

Dikio urged the committee consisting of ex-agitators to ensure effective dissemination of information about the scheme to attract expected development to the region.

Speaking yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, at the second quarterly meeting with members of the committee, Dikio explained that the absence of a proper channel of communication in the past led to misinformation.

He advised members of the committee to be adequately prepared for the task ahead and  to understand the sensitive nature of their assignment.

Dikio further urged them to know the importance of operating within the limits of their mandate and recognising the hierarchy and chain of command in the dissemination of information emanating from the PAP office.

He noted that any information coming out of his office must be authorized by him and disseminated through the media office duly signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Neotaobase Egbe.

Dikio stressed that members of the committee must cross-check with PAP’s media office before going public with any information.

He said a specialised training on public communication, media relations for members of the committee would be organised to build their capacity.

He said for business to thrive and for development to be attracted to the region, the committee must take its task seriously.  The highpoint of the meeting was the presentation of official letters to members of the committee.