OK, I figured it out.....
I deleted and reloaded the app on my iPad Mini.
Opened the app and signed on with my DirecTV essentials as required.
Went to Settings > Receiver Control and entered the IP address for my Genie DVR.
Then Settings > GenieGo and selected Register My iPad
and entered the DirecTV password but this time
I did not chose the 'on DVR' button but left the 'on iPad' button selected
and wa-la! my iPad got registered.
We can assume this is a closed issue!
Color me happy :-)