The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended governors of the South-South over the far-reaching resolutions at their meeting held in Port Harcourt, on Monday.
Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of PANDEF, gave the commendation in a statement made available to journalists late Tuesday.
He said the decisions taken by the governors were critical to the security, safety and wellbeing of the people of the region and they have demonstrated that they were in tune with the feelings and aspirations of the people.
“PANDEF is particularly delighted at the governors’ decision to establish South-South Security Architecture, like other zones in the country, to complement the nation’s security agencies in the zone.
“The fact is that given the degenerating security situation in the country, the whole of the Niger Delta region, particularly, the South-South zone is under existential threat.
“PANDEF also lauds the governors’ resolve to join the VAT lawsuit at the Supreme Court, in solidarity with Rivers State on the position that Value Added Tax (VAT) should be collected by states.
“PANDEF similarly heralds the governors’ positions on the Petroleum Industry Act, the NDDC forensic audit report, and their call on the President to uphold the law establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by appropriately constituting its board,” the statement read.
The South-South apex socio-cultural group also expressed pleasure over the governors’ re-echoing the call for the relocation of headquarters of International Oil Companies, and even NNPC subsidiaries, to the Niger Delta.
“It is baffling that the Federal Government has remained indifferent to this just demand of the Niger Delta people, thus denying the region plausible benefits, while the paradoxical realities, arising from the industry, remain glaring in the region.
“PANDEF is happy with the cohesion and cordiality amongst governors but notes that similar cooperation is needed with other political leaders of the zone, irrespective of party differences, in the overall interest of the zone.
“PANDEF further calls on the governors to strengthen the BRACED Commission to fast track the economic integration and development of the geopolitical zone,” the statement further read.
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PANDEF lauds South-South Governors over Port Harcourt resolutions
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