By Our Correspondent
Lawmakers in the National Assembly have been urged to exercise restraint as they intensify their probe into the alleged mismanagement of N26 billion by the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
The call, made by concerned stakeholders and peace advocates in the Niger Delta, emphasized the need for the investigation to be conducted with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to due process. They warned that a probe driven by political pressure or preconceived judgments could damage the credibility of the oversight process and destabilize the fragile peace in the oil rich region.
According to the stakeholders, the Amnesty Programme has played an essential role in reducing militancy, restoring relative stability, and enabling uninterrupted oil production in the Niger Delta. They noted that any disruption to the programme operations, especially one stemming from a contentious investigation, could reverse years of progress and reignite tensions among ex agitators.
They also urged lawmakers to consider the sensitive nature of the initiative, stressing that the welfare, training, and reintegration of thousands of beneficiaries depend on continuity and stability within the programme leadership.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly committees overseeing the investigation have continued to scrutinize expenditure records, project execution details, and budget releases under the current management. Legislators insist the inquiry is not a witch hunt but a necessary step to ensure accountability and safeguard public resources.
Stakeholders, however, maintain that while corruption must be confronted decisively, the process must avoid media sensationalism, political interference, and actions that could jeopardize peace building efforts in the region.
