Date Published: 12/11/09

  PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT YAR’ADUA’S HEALTH AND THE STATE OF THE NATION

 The Elders and Leaders of the Niger Delta Geopolitical Zone have observed for sometime, the pronouncements, positions and postulates that have unfolded from commentators, as regards the health of President Umaru Yar’Adua.

We are gravely concerned and surprised at the focus of some of these pronouncements, as we believe the health of the president and prayers for his speedy recovery should be paramount in our thoughts at this time.

While we are not unmindful of the impact a prolonged absence of his leadership may cause, the Niger Delta Elders and Leaders Forum believe that the stability and unity of the country which we have always supported since independence, is of key importance to the citizenry and so demand all Nigerians to continuously supplicate to the Almighty God to grant The President protection.

Furthermore, The Forum holds President Yar’Adua in the highest esteem especially with regard to his numerous policy initiatives concerning the Niger Delta region.

However, we do advice that any group or persons who through their actions and pronouncements, insinuate and attempt to obliterate the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will only complicate issues for the polity which will inadvertently create chaos and confusion that will not auger well for the unity of the country.  

We urge all Nigerians to pray for the early return of the President to the demanding duties of his office and we would like to reiterate that the continuous unity, peace and stability of the Nigerian nation depends primarily on The President whose personality will at all times promote the corporate existence of the Federating States of Nigeria.

It is equally pertinent to make it abundantly clear that all the Federating States of the country must at all time be seen to exist on a level playing field where Equity, Fair play and Justice prevail.

We pray for mercy and grace for President Yar’Adua and ask the Almighty God to grant him a speedy recovery.   

Signed for and on Behalf of;

THE NIGER DELTA ELDERS AND LEADERS FORUM 

Alabo T. Graham-Douglas

For: Chief E. K. Clerk

         NATIONAL LEADER