The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on the Federal Government to revisit the issue of supporting the development of Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta Region to stamp out unwholesome, unauthorized refining of crude as a way of providing employment for the teeming youths in the Region and to curb criminality.
The call by the Apex socio-political body of the Niger Delta region was contained in a communique issued at the end of an expanded national executive committee meeting of the forum, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the weekend.
The meeting, according to the communique, was necessary to deliberate on the state of the Nation, recent socio-political developments in the Region, the Country, as well as the state of critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta and other related matters.
The eleven points communique, which the National Chairman of the forum endorsed; Senator Ibok Essien, frowned at the deplorable state of critical infrastructure, particularly roads, in the entire Niger Delta region.
Among several sections of the East-West Road mentioned include:(Eleme-Onne, Patani-Kiama-Mbiama), sections of the Port Harcourt – Aba, Benin –Auchi, Benin-Sapale-Warri, Benin-Agbor, Sapele – Agbor, Calabar – Itu, Ikot Ekpene-Aba, highways, saying that they have all become impassable, suffocating even as, social and economic activities in the areas have been scuttled, leading to widespread poverty among the people in those areas.
It says, “it is entirely unacceptable that the proverbial goose that lays the golden egg is being totally neglected by successive administrations in the country.
The communique demands immediate intervention works on the failed sections of the cited roads and others, by the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant agencies and to, without further delay, ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
Senator Ibok Essien led Executive committee, resolved to revisit its “16-Point Demands”, for representation in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.
The communique reiterates the forum’s call for sustained cooperation among the different layers and strata of the political leadership in the Region, including the Governors, Members of the National Assembly, Ministers, Heads of MDAs, irrespective of political affiliation, as evident in other zones of the country, along with the social-cultural leadership, in order to address the challenges of the Region better.
Its Strongly cautions Youths of the Niger Delta Region to desist from unwarranted utterances capable of undermining the smooth functioning of federal agencies with direct bearing on the socio-economic development of the Region.
Further implores the Heads of Federal MDAs relating to the Niger Delta to adopt broader, more consensual approaches in managing such agencies to provide more widespread opportunities for youth development.
In a goodwill message, the National leader, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, he expressed delight at the quality of leadership being provided by the National Chairman and his executive and further encouraged the NEC members of PANDEF, to remain steadfast and resolute in the pursuit of the objectives of the Forum, and the shared interests of the Region.
The forum Congratulates the Governors of Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State, Delta State and Rivers State, on their victories at the polls, subsequent swearing-in on May 29, and successful assumption of Office as Executive Governors. Likewise, felicitates with all the members of the 10th National Assembly from the South South Geo-political Zone, urging them to use their various offices to foster unity and peace, to accelerate the socio-economic growth and transformation of the lives of the people.
“We further congratulate His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio on his emergence as President of the 10th Senate; we express confidence in his ability to provide the needed leadership in directing the affairs of the Senate, and, indeed, the National Assembly, to the utmost benefit of all the people of Nigeria.
“Again, we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their firm resolve on the zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South-South, and for following through on it.
“The forum remains committed to engaging with all well-meaning critical stakeholders of the Region, irrespective of political inclination, in our efforts to foster unity, lasting peace, security, and the sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region, for the benefit of present and future generations.” The communique stated.
It, however, commends the National Assembly for revisiting the Bakassi issue, which is of dire interest to the people, and urges the National Assembly to pursue the issue to a logical conclusion.
“Note that the unresolved issues arising from the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon on account of the World Court Judgement and the Green Tree Agreement have continued to threaten the wellbeing of the Bakassi people and the security of the southernmost part of the Niger Delta Region”. It added.
The Forum used the opportunity to further congratulate its National Leader, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, on the forthcoming launch of his autobiography, *”Brutally Frank”*, on the 17th of August 2023, in Abuja.
The meeting, which was presided over by the National Chairman and former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, had, in attendance, members of the Board of Trustees, National and State Executive Committee, and some critical stakeholders of PANDEF, including the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Igali.
Others are: former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Colonel PAM Ogah (rtd); former Minister of Lands & Housing, Hon. Nduese Essien, former Secretary to the State Government of Akwa Ibom State and Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Forum, Obongawan Grace Ekong; HRM King Dr. Suanu T. Y. Baridam, JP; former Director, NBC, Mr. O. Mac Emakpore; Hon. Bassey Ekefre; former NNDC Director, Hon. Dr. Itam Abang; Prince Okareme Maikpobi; and National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ken Robinson, among others.
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