January 31, (THEWILL) – Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Ardua, whose Amnesty Policy brought an end to militancy in Nigeria’s South-south region, has been given a post-humous award for his role in changing that frightening era in the country’s history.
His widow, Hajiya Turai Yar’Ardua, was also among several other Nigerians who received awards for their roles in promoting non-violent approach to the resolution of Nigeria’s multi-faceted and growing security challenges.
The awards were presented to them by President of the Foundation for Peace and Non-Violence (FOFPEN), Mr Onengiya Erekosima, at the 15th anniversary of the Foundation, which was held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the Silverbird Galleria in Abuja.
The anniversary, with the theme: “Remaking Nigeria Through Non-Violence”, attracted dignitaries from all over the country.
Other recipients of the Foundation’s award were the DG, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, Prof Eustace Iyayi; Rtd AIG, Barr Felix Ogbaudu; Rtd AIG Hassan Karma, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Austin Adiele Opara; Chief (Barr) Samuel Nwosu; ace journalist, Mohammed Bello; owner of Human Rights Radio (Brekete), Dr Ahmad Isah; Alabo Nengi James, Chief Samuel Tuta Pukat and Claire Adelabu Abdulrazak.
Also honoured were Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Comrade Dogo Shagari Ejeke, Soni Daniel, Anayochukwu Agbo, Omoaefe Ejere.
Speaking at the occasion, Erekosima warned President Bola Tinubu that if the Yar’Ardua non-violent approach was not adopted urgently to arrest the widespread insecurity, the situation could degenerate to guerrilla warfare.
Erekosima fingered lack of political will, duplicity of those benefitting from security votes, poverty and frustration, as the catalysts for the nationwide upsurge in insecurity.
He, therefore, called on President Tinubu, who he acknowledged had previously supported his non-violent approach to muster the political will to do the needful before the onset of guerrilla war.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR, was a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010. He was declared the winner of the Nigerian presidential election held on 21 April 2007, and was sworn in on 29 May 2007.
Under Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta became increasingly militarized and insecure. Scores of civilians were murdered by armed gangs and security forces in 2007, and the violence further impeded the impoverished region’s development.
With a dint of hardwork and commitment, Yar’Adua brought lasting peace into the Niger Delta through his Amnesty Programme.
Turai Umar Musa Yar’Adua is the widow of the former Nigerian president and former Katsina State Governor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. She was the First Lady of Nigeria from 2007 until the death of her husband on 5 May 2010.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
