News
New Amnesty Boss, Dennis Otuaro Resumes Duty
New Amnesty Boss, Dennis Otuaro Resumes Duty
By: Michael Mike
The new Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Office, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has resumed duty at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Technical Assistant to the former Interim Administrator, Mr Ita Henshaw, handed over the notes to the Otuaro in a brief ceremony in Abuja on Monday.
In his speech, Otuaro said that he will not betray the trust reposed in him by the President and the National Security Adviser.
He said his mission in the Presidential Amnesty Office is to render quality service to the Niger region and the nation, stressing that there would be no room for failure.
Otuaro asked the members of staff to be focused and give him the requisite cooperation to move the establishment forward.
He assured that he is not in the Amnesty Office to pursue personal gains even as he urged the members of staff to embrace his principle.
Otuaro promised to bring the programme closer to the people
He said: “First and foremost, I greet everybody here. I thank Mr President for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve at this time.
“I need everybody’s cooperation here to take this programme to greatness.
“My appeal here is as from today we should back the crowd and face the job. I need everyone’s cooperation so we don’t disappoint the President, the NSA, the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
“I believe in this country. Everything about me is in this country and it is also in the Niger Delta.
“This assignment is for our people, for the country and for humanity. We are bringing the programme closer to the people. We will not use it to pursue things that are abstract.
“We will streamline whatever that we know that is giving us the load to provide excuses, we must streamline some things and we’ll work together.
“I will not disappoint my people, I will not disappoint Mr. President and National Security Adviser who gave me this appointment. I am not here to pursue personal goals, I am begging everybody to be on same with me.
“This is a serious time we are going to spend here, so I will make everything short. I thank everybody, we will get used to ourselves as time goes on,” he stated.
President Bola Tinubu had approved the appointment of Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme on Thursday night.
Otuaro’s appointment was announced by the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Chief Ajuri Ngelale.
Otuaro holds a PhD in Comparative Politics & Development Studies; an MSc in Public Administration, and a BSc in Education.
He had previously served as a top-level executive of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with experience across multiple sectors, including infrastructure development, security, environmental remediation as well as oil and gas.
New Amnesty Boss, Dennis Otuaro Resumes Duty
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
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