Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has urged stakeholders of the Niger Delta to maintain the prevailing peace in the region

He also appealed to the stakeholders to remain resolute in their support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro spoke at a three-day strategic training on leadership, alternative dispute resolution and mediation, organised by the Presidential Amnesty Programme in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre for some stakeholders of the PAP on Wednesday in Abuja.

The PAP boss, who declared the training open, told the participants that the essence of the exercise was to equip them to play more critical roles in the region’s peace process.

In a statement issued by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP boss, Otuaro stressed the need for the people of the Niger Delta to consolidate on the region’s peace process and stability so that socio-economic growth and development could thrive in the communities as encapsulated in the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

READ ALSO: King Ateke Breaks Silence On Rumoured Clash With PAP Boss, Otuaro

He assured the people of the Niger Delta that Tinubu would not fail in his firm commitment and dedication to the peace, stability, and development of the region and indeed Nigeria.

Otuaro stressed that by his actions, after his election as President, Tinubu has shown that he is one leader who cannot deceive the people of the Niger Delta for political gains.

Otuaro said the strategic capacity building initiative underscored his unwavering resolve to broaden stakeholders’ participation in PAP activities, and complement Tinubu’s strong determination to impact communities in the Niger Delta.

He noted that the PAP, in the past one year under his leadership, has made remarkable impact on the region’s people by the expansion of the scholarship scheme, vocational training opportunities for former agitators and beneficiaries, and deepening of inclusivity in the implementation of the PAP’s mandate.

He said, “Let me inform us that the objectives of this initiative, in the main, highlight the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his administration’s strong commitment and dedication to sustainable peace, security, stability, socio-economic growth and development of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

READ ALSO: PAP Conducts Verification For 3,171 Scholarship Beneficiaries, Presents 663 Laptops To Final Year Students

“I am most grateful to President Tinubu for his massive support to the PAP, particularly his gracious approval of my recent proposal to set up a Rehabilitation Unit in the programme, a vital component which was not in place before now. This will help cater to related aspects of the programme’s mandate.

“I urge all stakeholders and the people of the Niger Delta to continue to support President Tinubu and work resolutely with his administration to do more for the region, even in the coming years. He will not fail the region, I assure you.”

Otuaro also extended his profound appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, “for his encouragement and flawless supervision of the programme, which have led to the success stories recorded by the programme under my leadership.”

He encouraged the participants to participate and engage actively in the strategic training, and take valuable lessons away that would “guide your conduct and approach to resolving issues and disputes that may arise around you or within your spheres of influence in the interest of the Niger Delta and the country.”

“Therefore, this strategic workshop is a platform designed to sharpen your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of the essence of conflict resolution and mediation, to bring about peace and development in our communities and region in the implementation of the PAP’s mandate,” Otuaro added.

Two legal practitioners have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, praying it to compel President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara State.

The plaintiffs- Reuben Boma and Okoro Nwadiegwu- further want the court to direct the National Assembly to undertake legislative functions for the state, insisting that the Zamfara State House of Assembly is not properly constituted due to “illegal suspension of 10 members” and “the ability of the State House of Assembly to form a legal quorum and conduct legislative business.”

A non governmental organization, Incorporated Trustees of One Love Foundation, was cited as the 3rd plaintiff in the matter.

Aside from President Tinubu, other defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1363/25, are the Attorney General Federation; Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives; Attorney General of Zamfara State; and the Governor Of Zamfara State.

READ ALSO:Emergency Rule In Rivers, Affront To Democracy – Fubara’s Kinsman Blow Hot

Specifically, the plaintiffs, through their counsel, Chief Goddy Uche, SAN, raised for questions for the court to determine, among which included: “Whether having regard to the provisions of Section 42, 92, 98, 100, 103, 305, 104 and 109 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) and the prevailing circumstances and turn out of events, in the legislative, political and security unrest in the said Zamfara State and Zamfara state House of Assembly, and whether a state of emergency cannot be declared under this circumstances.

“Whether by the provisions of the Constitution, either expressly or by implication of its provisions, whether it authorize the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by Proclamation published In the Federal Government Gazette as Statutory Instrument, to issue a state of emergency with or without removal of office of the Governor and deputy or otherwise and whether the exercise of such powers is not contained in section 305(1),(2),(3)a,b, c of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended in (2011).”

As well as, “Whether by the Interpretation of Section 11(4) and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the recent security challenges and the imperative legislative crisis in the Zamfara State House of Assembly and or beyond, due to illegal suspension of 10 members from the Zamfara State House of Assembly and the ability of the state house of assembly to form a legal quorum and conduct legislative business, and whether the Federal House of Representatives is not empowered to take over the functions of the legislative business in the Zamfara State House of Assembly in the best interest of public peace, justice, democracy and tranquility.”

READ ALSO:Emergency Rule In Rivers, Affront To Democracy – Fubara’s Kinsman Blow Hot

Upon the determination of the questions, the plaintiffs are praying the court to declare that “in view of the recent security challenges, community crisis, legisiative crisis, there is break down of law and order and imminent danger to Zamfara Suate and the Federal Republic of Nigeria at large.”

“A declaration and mandatory order of this court compelling the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to by Proclamation published in the Federal Government Gazette as Statutory Instrument, to issue a state of emergency with or without removal from office of the Governor and deputy or otherwise and to exercise such other powers as contained in section 305(2),(3)a,b.c of the Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended in (2011).

“A declaration that in view of the clear and unambiguous provisions of Sections 42, 92, 98, 100, 103, 104,11, and 109 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), the Zamfara State House of Assembly is not properly constituted by the illegal suspension of 10 members from the Zamfara State House of Assembly and the ability of the state house of assembly to form a legal quorum and conduct legislative business.”

Likewise, “An order of this Honourable Court mandating the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to take over the Zamfara State House of Assembly in the overall best interest of Justice, Peace, Democracy and for the good and progress of the good people of Zamfara State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

No date has been fixed for the matter to he heard.

(VANGUARD)

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has explained his absence at the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing flight restrictions as the reason for his inability to attend the ceremony in Daura on Tuesday.

Speaking to journalists shortly after a condolence visit to the late president’s family on Wednesday, Obi said efforts to attend the burial were hampered by a combination of unavailable flights and restricted air traffic to accommodate high-level dignitaries.

“Yes, it was difficult to come here yesterday because there were no flights,” Obi said.

“Even if you had a flight, you couldn’t land at Katsina Airport. It was all closed because of the number of dignitaries attending the burial.”

READ ALSO:Buhari Shouted Jesus Christ Of Nazareth, I Asked Him Why – Bakare

The former Anambra State governor, however, stressed that paying respects to the dead transcends the day of burial, noting that his visit was still within the traditional mourning period.

“It is believed that the mourning continues today and tomorrow. Whoever comes today or tomorrow is still part of the mourning,” he said.

Obi recalled his past interactions with Buhari, particularly a meeting during his presidential campaign in which the late leader urged him to focus on the welfare of Nigeria’s poor.

“I had the opportunity of meeting him while I was campaigning, and I remember his words to this day: ‘Please care for the poor Nigerians’. That’s what I always remember,” he said.

READ ALSO:Why We Visited Buhari – Atiku

“And I believe he did his been within his capacity. I remember vividly his sincere appeal for fighting and caring for the poor.”

Reflecting on Buhari’s passing, Obi said the former president’s death serves as a solemn reminder of the transient nature of power and life itself.

“We all have to learn how to serve our country, knowing that one day we will be called back by our creator,” he said.

Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday, was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura with full military honours. His burial was attended by top government officials, foreign dignitaries, and traditional leaders.