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PANDEF Petitions Buhari Over PAP
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leadership and membership have written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari to express their grave concerns about the future of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and to warn of potential threats to the country’s peace, stability, economic prosperity, and Niger Delta region’s development.
They described as quite disturbing recent happenings and media reports, regarding the possible termination of the programme, possibly before the end of the administration, and the vile silence of his government on the matter.
In the letter signed by National Leader, Edwin Clark, and 34 others, titled: “Our Concerns On The Future Of The Presidential Amnesty Programme” they noted that although news reports, within the last 48 hours, stated that “the Federal Government has rescinded the plan to terminate the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP)”, but the rumours of the winding up of the programme and the alleged delisting of about 3,000 beneficiaries have already sparked anxiety in the Niger Delta.
The letter read in parts: “We recall that similar speculations were strewn in 2020, before the appointment of Col. Milliard Dixon Dikio (rtd) as interim administrator of the programme, in August of that year.
“PANDEF issued strong statements and warned against the plan, at the time.
“Mr. President, these ‘underhand’ tactics, marked by secrecy and chicanery, are improper and unthoughtful of the realities in the region. They are also, definitely, not in the best interest of the peace and stability of the Niger Delta region, and the friable economic situation of the country.
“It is insidious for government, at any level, to take critical decisions, capable of impacting negatively on the peace and stability of the society, merely on solipsistic references, without proper situational awareness, and due consideration of the ramifications.
“We had discussed these concerns at our extraordinary meeting held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, and reflected the same in the communiqué therefrom.
“PANDEF cautions the Federal Ggovernment against any ill-advised plan to terminate the Presidential Amnesty Programme given the rumours that the government is scheduling to wind up the programme before the end of the Buhari administration;
“The meeting further warns that considerations that the Presidential Amnesty Programme could be scrapped due to a pipeline surveillance contract awarded to a private firm, are not only illogical but unacceptable.
“Notes that the Amnesty Programme was an intervention to promote peace and stability in the Niger Delta; thus, any attempt to prematurely end the programme would be detrimental to the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.
“Going forward, the Amnesty Programme should be extended to include the full re-integration of all beneficiaries.”
Continuing, PANDEF reminded Buhari the circumstances that led to the proclamation of the Presidential Amnesty by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on June 25, 2009.
“We remember that, upon the willful surrender and handing over of arms and ammunition, and the execution of the renunciation of militancy by the youths, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, on October 9, 2009, met with governors and other critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta region, including the ex-militant leaders and committed to the terms of the amnesty.
“The objective of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), which has been described by experts as a “masterpiece” peace and security strategy by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is to mitigate youth restiveness as well as stabilise, consolidate and sustain security conditions in the Niger Delta region; and allow for socioeconomic and infrastructural development.
“And, like all other DDR programmes, globally, the Presidential Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta ex-agitators was also designed to encourage trust and confidence, and deal with the root causes of conflict. With the ultimate aim to prevent return to violent conflicts in the Niger Delta, and indeed make peace irreversible.
“Sadly, recent developments around the programme are eroding the trust and confidence that have been gained over the past years.
“While we are not unaware of the fact that the programme was conceived and designed to last for a specific period, it is important to underscore that existing realities make thoughts of ending the programme unrealistic. Given that several of the already demobilized ex-agitators are still undergoing different forms of training in institutions within and outside the country.
“Appreciably, the programme has met the Disarmament and Demobilisation (DD) aspects of the DDR, but the reintegration phase of programme has not yet been achieved, and therefore, should be allowed to continue.
“Besides, Your Excellency, little or nothing, has been done about the other major components of the amnesty protocol to buffer the situations that resulted in the conflict, like infrastructural development on a coordinated and transformative scale, including the completion of the East-West Road; and the implementation of deliberate policies to escalate economic development in the region as well as issues of environmental remediation and ecological restoration.
“Consequently, any unguided and hasty termination or alteration of the Programme would be an act of bad fate and a threat to the ‘fragile peace’ in the region. The feedback we are getting is that the youths are angry!
“It is better to adequately manage the peace achieved, so far, by the amnesty programme than to allow detrimental infractions.
“To say the least, it is very unfair that whereas other intervention programmes such as the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), continue with their training activities, which, majorly favour beneficiaries from the North while candidates from the South are relegated, the government is tinkering with the Presidential Amnesty Programme. This is the height of injustice and avoidable provocation on the people of the Niger Delta.
“It is even more disturbing that these irksome tendencies are being contemplated at the twilight of your administration. It is impossible to speculate that Mr. President desires to hand over a crisis-ridden Niger Delta to his successor.
“We urge that you tread with caution on issues concerning the Niger Delta region. It will suffice to footnote that no single individual or effort can sustain peace in the Niger Delta!”
PANDEF demanded a categorical statement from the Presidency “substantiating the status of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, to douse the brewing tension in the region.
“Halt the unilateral delisting of beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the immediate reinstatement of youths purportedly delisted.
“Mr. President should, as a matter of necessity, urgently convene a meeting with critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta region, including the governors, elders, and Leaders as well as the ex-militant leaders, for consultation and input, on a realistic, practicable and acceptable schedule for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and other related issues. Just as President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua did before the commencement of the amnesty programme.
“Appoint a substantive coordinator for the Presidential Amnesty Programme to end the ‘Interim’ phenomenon that has characterized agencies of the Federal Government with direct bearing on the Niger Delta.”
News
Don’t Panic, We’ll Protect Rivers Interest -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has told the people of the State not to panic and be rest assured of the determination of his administration to protect lives and property of residents while improving the collective aspirations of the people.
Fubara gave the assurance when he addressed members of the Family Support Group, who were on solidarity visit to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday to declare their unalloyed support to his administration.
Family Support Group is an assemblage of well-meaning Rivers youths, men and women drawn from the three Senatorial Districts and 23 local government areas, with the core aim of protecting, promoting and defending the interests of Rivers State.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, said that the government is for the youths, women, men and every well-meaning Nigerian who wish the State well.
He assured that his administration would not disappoint their expectations, but would deliver good governance and quality services across all sectors.
Fubara said it was gratifying to see ebullient youths showing undying interest in government, and were also willing to defend their votes, and see him completing his tenure without interruption.
The governor explained that so many development projects had been completed and opened for public use with many others like the Port Harcourt Ring Road still actively ongoing.
He specifically noted the readiness of the administration to flag off construction of phase two of the real Trans-Kalabari Road from Port Harcourt through Tombia to other communities; and the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
“The whole land of Rivers State stands in affirmation that we won the election fairly, and deserve to serve out our full tenure. There is not going to be anything that will cut short the popular mandate that you all gave to this Administration.
“Just about within weeks of assuming office, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, flagged-off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project that will transverse six local governments. It will be completed within 36 months, but I think it will be completed before the time, because the progress of work we have seen is beyond what we were thinking.
“The Trans-Kalabari Road, very soon, the official main Trans-Kalabari Road will start, and will begin from Port Harcourt. That road, a lot of plans have been done, very soon, you will see contractors on site, and Rivers State will be opened.
“Just yesterday, you heard in the news also that the Governor has commenced the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road. That road was initially done with one lane, but now, he is going to dualise it. The Government has already awarded the contract”, he said.
Fubara emphasised that his administration is pro-youth and pro-human beings, and determined to maintain that level of empathy and inclusivity that offers succour to the people.
“I, therefore, want to thank you for the promise you have made, and I want you to remain unshakable. Keep your word of defending him at all times.
“When you hear anything outside, be bold, defend the Governor, and tell the people the things you know about him. Tell them what you know he has done to develop the State and the people”, he stated.
In his address, the President General of Family Support Group, Mr Henry Abraham, recalled that during the 2023 elections, they were encouraged to vote and defend their votes because the process was violence-free and credible.
“When we defend our votes, we will also defend the man we voted for. We are Family Support Group, Rivers State belongs to all of us. Rivers State is not a personal estate of one man, it’s for all Rivers people.
“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stand firm. Family Support Group is with you. All the wards’ coordinators are with you. All the wards’ executives are with you. All the LGA coordinators are with you. All the officers of the National Executive Committee are with you. All our leaders are with you, and the PDP is with you,” he assured.
News
11 GDI Coordinators Declare Support For Fubara
The support base for the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, swelled up on Wednesday when 11 Ward Coordinators of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the State pledged unalloyed support and loyalty to his administration.
Ahoada East, which is the local government area of the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie, has a total of 13 electoral wards.
The 11 GDI Coordinators, who were in Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday on solidarity visit, said that they have now realised that they had been deceived and misled in the past few months, and decided to retrace their steps, and join the mass of Rivers people to defend and protect their votes and mandate freely given to Governor Fubara.
The coordinators, who were received by the Chief of Staff, Dr Edison Ehie, pledged to mobilise all their supporters and associates to give the State Government the necessary support and encouragement to deliver good governance and sustainable development to Rivers people.
They said that having watched the actions and policy direction of the governor, they have come to the realisation that sitting on the fence while detractors undermine the government was not in the best interest of the State.
The coordinators, who were accompanied by the former LGA Coordinator of GDI, Hon. Christian Abu, and Ahoada East LGA Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Handsome Ekelechi Agile, said that they were resolute in their decision to join millions of well-meaning Rivers people who had solidified their membership of the SIMplified Movement to protect and defend the governor in the face of unwarranted attacks and campaign of calumny.
They said that with their movement to the SIMplified Family, the GDI structure in Ahoada East has completely collapsed.
They warned that anybody fighting the governor and the Chief of Staff would incur the wrath of the land.
In his remarks, Hon. Ehie assured the coordinators of the State government’s commitment to the wellbeing of all Rivers people and the consolidation of the gains of the infrastructure revolution of the administration.
He said that the Fubara-led government was operating an open door policy and running an inclusive administration, assuring that every Rivers man and woman will be touched positively by the actions, policies, and programmes of the government.
The GDI Coordinators included Chinwe Okorji representing Ward 1; Henry Uhor for Ward 2; Hon. Muzan Otuza of Ward 3; Hon. Elvis Ishikaku representing Ward 4; and Hon. Johnson Monday of Ward 5.
Others are Mr. Evidence Adi for Ward 6; Emmanuel Ochu of Ward 7; Hon. Fidelis Ikebuluwa representing Ward 8; Martins Odoi of Ward 9; Hon. Mackson Ekpeye representing Ward 10; Hon. Ambrose Ile for Ward 12.
With this development, the leadership of GDI at the Ward and LG levels have now dumped the group to join the Governor in efforts to transform the State.
News
Fubara Recommits To Human Capacity Building In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed the determination of his administration to build and strengthen the capacity of workers in the State’s Civil Service.
The governor said this during a meeting held behind closed doors in Government House, Port Harcourt, with the national leadership of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, yesterday.
After the meeting, leader of the delegation and National President of NIM, Dr. Christiana Atako, told newsmen that Governor Fubara, a fellow of the Institute and astute manager, excited them with his plans on human capital development and other development initiatives.
Dr. Atako, who is also the Chairman of Council of NIM said, “In fact, he was talking so much about the civil service. I have told you that one of our strengths is to develop capacity of the workforce, and we told him that we are interested in the civil service of this State.
“We are interested in building capacity of the workforce because we believe that if you have the right workforce, you’ll be able to have successful system. And if you have a successful system, leadership will be very easy.”
She emphasised that, “And when we told him, he bought the idea. He said he was happy about that. He wants a situation where, apart from the infrastructure that he was putting in place, he also wants to build the capacity of the people.”
Atako stated that as an Institute, they were impressed with the giant strides of the leadership of the governor, the many infrastructural projects, both ongoing and completed, including the welfare packages for civil servants, particularly the Christmas bonus of N100, 000.00.
She pointed out the distinguishing attributes of a great and good leader, which include exhibiting empathy and motivating the workers to become more productive, which she said, were evident in the leadership shown by Governor Fubara.
Atako said they also informed the governor of their forthcoming annual national conference slated to hold in Port Harcourt, which is always used to discuss issues that are of interest to the growth and development of the country.
Those in the delegation were Registrar/Chief Executive of NIM, Mrs Taiwo Olusesi; former National Vice President, Dame Christie Toby; Council Members, Engr. Beniah Ojum; Prof. Sylva Opuala-Charles; Zonal Chairman and Chairman LOC NIM ANMC, Pastor Eyo Okpo-Ene; former National Treasurer, Chief Grant Orugbani; and Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, His Imperial Majesty, Kelvin N. Anugwo.
Others are former Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly and Member LOC NIM ANMC, Rt. Hon. Marshall Stanley-Uwom; AGM, Hotel Presidential, Mr. Rex Yakpogoro; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Engr. Eze Egwurugwu; Sir Mike Elechi; Member LOC NIM ANMC, Dr. Kelechi Belinda Udeogu; Secretary, South South Zone and Secretary LOC NIM ANMC, Mr. Christian U. Abu; Emeritus Professor Simeon Chituru Achinehu.
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