The Federal Government has been urged to take concrete steps to address the restructuring question and other urgent national issues not later than December, 2017.
The Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which gave the ultimatum, also urged the FG to immediately take steps “to secure life and property throughout the country by dealing decisively with the menace and aggression of Fulani herdsmen and armed terrorists who have occupied and set up camps in most parts of southern Nigeria and the Middle Belt states.”
The calls were contained in the communique signed by the leader, Chief Edwin Clark and issued at the third general assembly of PANDEF held last Tuesday at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Expressing worries over the foot-dragging attitude of the FG in implementing its 16-point agenda issued last November, the forum called on the government to “engage in dialogue with all agitators in all sections and zones of the country for an amicable settlement and resolution of all the issues in contention.”
The forum urged all Nigerians to support Acting President Yemi Osinbajo as he effectively performs his duties to the nation at this critical moment.
The forum also reiterated the urgent need for restoration of true federalism and political restructuring of Nigeria, which, it noted, were germane issues at the front burner in the country.
“To facilitate the restructuring exercise, the government is urged to start the implementation of the Report of the 2014 National Conference, particularly aspects relating to the devolution of powers, fiscal federalism and ownership of natural resources, creation of new states, State police security institutions, and judiciary,” the Assembly averred.
It disclosed that as the FG is being sluggish in the implementation of the 16-point agenda, the youth and other stakeholders were running out of patience.
It further noted that in spite of the maintenance of peace since August, 2016 in the region, which has resulted in substantial increase in oil production to levels above two million barrels daily, the FG has refused to reciprocate the patriotism and good will exhibited by the people.
The meeting had in attendance, the governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), Speaker Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Friday Benson; HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, pioneer Military Governor of old Rivers State; Amayanabo of Twon-Brass and co-Chairman Central Working Committee (CWC), PANDEF; Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (Rtd), Former Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Gen. John E. Yeri( Rtd), former Military Governor of defunct Bendel State; and Gen. Cletus Emein ( Rtd), former Military Governor of Niger State.
Other participants included Col. Peter A.M. Ogar (Rtd), former Military Administrator of Kwara State; Sen. Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, Former Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Sen. Nimi Barigha-Amange, Rt. Hon. Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives; Prof. T.T. Isoun, former Minister of Science and Technology; Hon. Nduese Essien, former Minister of Housing, Lands and Urban Development; Ambassador Godknows Igali, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power; Col Paul Ogbebor (Rtd) and Chief Francis Doukpola, Chairman, Bayelsa State Elders Council.
Also in attendance were HRM King Joshua W.S Igbugburu, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Clan; High Chief Francis Williams, former General Secretary, Ijaw National Congress (INC); Chief Wellington Okrika, Prof. G.G. Darah & Mrs Nella Andem-Rabana SAN.
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