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  • PANDEF lauds Tinubu’s support for NDDC board 

    PANDEF lauds Tinubu’s support for NDDC board 

    The Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led board of the Niger Development Commission (NDDC).

    The forum also applauded the board for  for its commitment to transparency, accountability, and infrastructure development in the region.

    Giving the commendation during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the umbrella organisation of Niger Delta people at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, lauded the commission’s leadership, describing it as visionary and result-driven.

    Igali said: “We have never seen a leadership team like this, and we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support. Your interventions in infrastructure, particularly the Benin-Ore road and the Light Up Niger Delta initiative, are commendable. Your youth development programmes are also making a significant impact.”

    Igali in a statement signed by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thomson-Wakama assured the NDDC of PANDEF’s continued collaboration, reiterating the group’s role as the voice of the Niger Delta people in the civic space.

    “We believe in working closely with you and reaffirm our support for your administration. We urge Mr. President, the governors, and other stakeholders to provide you with the necessary tools to succeed,” he said.

    Responding, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transformational leadership and accountability. 

    He stated that NDDC had engaged the globally renowned audit firm, KPMG, to review its operations, adding that the report’s recommendations would be fully implemented to enhance transparency and efficiency.

    He said:  “There have been anomalies in the past, but we are focused on the future. We agreed with KPMG to begin implementing the report’s recommendations internally and externally.”

    Ogbuku emphasized that data would drive all NDDC programmes to ensure proper monitoring and equitable distribution of benefits. 

    Regarding the commission’s youth empowerment initiative, he confirmed that payments to registered beneficiaries would commence this month.

    Ogbuku highlighted recent strides in infrastructure, particularly road projects and disclosed that the Auchi-Benin road, a vital economic artery in the Niger Delta, had been prioritised for intervention. 

    He said the Auchi-Eruwe road had been completed and in good condition, adding that work on the Port Harcourt-Owerri road had progressed to the asphalting stage while the Agbor-Uromi road would soon receive attention.

    The NDDC boss said that the commission engaged International Oil Companies (IOCs) to attract partnerships for large-scale projects.

     “We are collaborating with Nigeria LNG (NLNG) to facilitate the construction of the Bonny Ring Road. Other major road projects are also in progress, including the Kaa-Ataba and Borokiri-Okrika roads,” he said.

    Read Also: PANDEF hails Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment as WTO DG

    Acknowledging the region’s high demand for solar power projects, Ogbuku announced that NDDC would explore building solar mini-grids in collaboration with electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

    He noted that 2025 would mark NDDC’s 25th anniversary, with a series of activities planned, including the inauguration of completed projects.

    He said: “A major highlight will be the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, aimed at fostering regional integration and developing amateur sporting talents. Akwa Ibom State will host the festival.

    “All abandoned projects will be revisited in line with the directive of Mr. President. The NDDC has achieved a lot, and we are proud to celebrate not just the Commission but the people of the Niger Delta.”

    Key NDDC executives, including the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director of Projects, Sir Victor Antai; the Executive Director of Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; and other Commission’s Directors, attended the event. 

  • PANDEF tackles ACF, says only Niger Delta can claim marginalisation

    PANDEF tackles ACF, says only Niger Delta can claim marginalisation

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has faulted claims of marginalization by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), saying that the Niger Delta is the only region in the country that can lay claim to being marginalised or impoverished.

    PANDEF’s claims followed a remark made by ACF on Thursday, claiming that the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government were impoverishing the North.

    In a statement released yesterday, the National Spokesman of PANDEF, Chief Christopher Ominimini, stressed that while oil which is found in the Niger Delta region is the mainstay of the nation’s economy, the people of the region have not seen corresponding development.

    He said decades of oil exploration and extraction activities in the region had resulted in pollution of farmlands, rivers and the environment while the region was yet to see the benefits of this wealth.

    Ominimini said it amounts to injustice that the revenue derived from oil extracted from the Niger Delta goes to the Federal Government while those derived from other regions are kept within those regions.

    He said: “Our resources feed the nation, while resources from other geopolitical zones, including the North, are kept for their own use and personal gain.”

    “The gold deposits in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country have not been considered for the benefit of the entire country, but rather for the indigenes and top individual businesses, including foreign nationals like the Chinese and Lebanese, all for individual benefits.”

    “Why do other regions mine and control their resources, while the oil and gas from the Niger Delta are controlled by the Nigerian state?”

    Ominimini argued that this selective injustice hurts the nation’s progress, stating, “Selective injustice or justice in a nation usually backfires.”

    Read Also: PANDEF backs new Ministry of Regional Development

    He alleged that the insurgency in Northern Nigeria was linked to the theft of solid minerals, including underground raw gold, and questioned why the government destroyed local petroleum refineries in the Niger Delta while turning a blind eye to illegal mining in the North.

    PANDEF also called on the Federal Government to provide a legal framework for artisanal miners to operate. He added that this would create jobs, reduce the waste of Nigeria’s earnings, boost technological knowledge, and decrease corruption, particularly as the country continues to import refined products.

    Despite the oil wealth in the Niger Delta, Ominimini highlighted that the people of the region do not know how much oil and gas are extracted, as efforts to meter the oil flow stations or the export terminals have been unsuccessful. Furthermore, most of the oil block owners are from regions outside the Niger Delta, reinforcing the lopsidedness of Nigeria’s system.

    “The Nigerian state is wicked to the Niger Delta Region,” Ominimini said. “The rulers prefer collecting penalties from international oil companies for flaring gas rather than addressing the environmental disaster caused by gas flaring, which could be converted for domestic use and economic purposes.”

    He went on to say, “Our fishing and farming activities are now impossible as our ecosystem has been destroyed by oil exploitation. Our lifespan is shortened, and we bear the brunt of the oil exploitation alone.”

    Ominimini lamented that no one in the federal government cared about the plight of the Niger Delta people, but warned, “If things do not change, God will come to our rescue.”

    He also pointed out that despite the oil found in the Niger Delta, oil block owners are mostly from other regions, and there is little or no corporate social responsibility from the International Oil Companies or the federal government.

    The statement concluded: “Our people have been excluded from participation in the oil industry. It seems like a well-planned scheme against the people of the Niger Delta. How can the only two executive positions on the NNPCL board be occupied by Northerners? What a shame!”

    Ominimini also questioned those complaining about marginalisation, saying, “Where were those complaining now when they were in positions of authority?”

    “The only region that can truly claim marginalisation or impoverishment in Nigeria is the Niger Delta Region,” he concluded. “PANDEF believes that justice must be holistic, and the most impoverished people in Nigeria are those of the Niger Delta. This must be addressed without delay.”

  • PANDEF backs new Ministry of Regional Development

    PANDEF backs new Ministry of Regional Development

    • Calls for swift action on Niger Delta projects

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has backed the newly created Federal Ministry of Regional Development, expressing optimism that the ministry will bring significant advancements for the Niger Delta and other regions across Nigeria.

    During a recent visit to the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and the Minister of State, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, PANDEF leaders underscored their commitment to working collaboratively with the ministry to address long-standing infrastructure and development needs in the Niger Delta.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Regional Development, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah.

    The PANDEF delegation, led by National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, emphasized the organization’s support for the ministry’s role in promoting equitable development.

    Read Also: PANDEF: we need infrastructure overhaul, others

    However, Ambassador Igali raised concerns over the potential sidelining of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urging the ministry to prioritize the commission’s initiatives amidst the restructuring process.

    Initially, there was apprehension among PANDEF members that the new ministry could diminish the NDDC’s role.

    However, following assurances from Minister Momoh and an understanding of plans to establish a South-South Development Commission, PANDEF leaders agreed to extend their support to the ministry, recognizing the potential benefits of this expanded framework.

    Ambassador Igali highlighted the urgent need for action on deteriorating infrastructure across the region.

    He called attention to neglected highways, including the Uyo-Calabar Road, Delta-Benin Road, East-West Road, and Auchi-Benin Road, noting that these routes are vital for regional connectivity and economic growth.

    In response, Minister Momoh reassured PANDEF of the government’s commitment to infrastructure improvements, particularly for the Niger Delta communities.

    He confirmed that the NDDC would remain central to the ministry’s development plans and highlighted the South-South Development Commission’s role in further strengthening the NDDC’s impact.

    Reflecting on the East-West Road project, which has faced significant delays, Momoh emphasized the ministry’s intent to work closely with the Ministry of Works to expedite its completion.

    He also pointed to President Tinubu’s recent coastal road initiative, which will connect Lagos to Calabar, impacting around 80% of Niger Delta communities.

    This project aims to boost trade and enhance transportation networks, fostering economic growth throughout the region.

    Additionally, Minister Momoh disclosed that he has directed the NDDC to begin immediate palliative work on critical highways in the Niger Delta, signaling a focus on addressing urgent infrastructure challenges with practical solutions.

  • PANDEF backs new Ministry of Regional Development

    PANDEF backs new Ministry of Regional Development

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has backed the newly created Federal Ministry of Regional Development, expressing optimism the ministry will bring significant advancements for the Niger Delta and other regions across Nigeria. 

    During a recent visit to the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and the Minister of State, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, PANDEF leaders underscored their commitment to working collaboratively with the ministry to address long-standing infrastructure and development needs in the Niger Delta.

    This was contained in a statement on Saturday by Special Assistant to the Minister of Regional Development, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah. 

    The PANDEF delegation, led by National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, emphasised the organization’s support for the ministry’s role in promoting equitable development. 

    However, Ambassador Igali raised concerns over the potential sidelining of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urging the ministry to prioritize the commission’s initiatives amidst the restructuring process.

    Initially, there was apprehension among PANDEF members that the new ministry could diminish the NDDC’s role. 

    However, following assurances from Minister Momoh and an understanding of plans to establish a South-South Development Commission, PANDEF leaders agreed to extend their support to the ministry, recognizing the potential benefits of this expanded framework.

    Ambassador Igali highlighted the urgent need for action on deteriorating infrastructure across the region. 

    He called attention to neglected highways, including the Uyo-Calabar Road, Delta-Benin Road, East-West Road, and Auchi-Benin Road, noting that these routes are vital for regional connectivity and economic growth.

    Momoh reassured PANDEF of the government’s commitment to infrastructure improvements, particularly for the Niger Delta communities. 

    Read Also: PANDEF: we need infrastructure overhaul, others

    He confirmed that the NDDC would remain central to the ministry’s development plans and highlighted the South-South Development Commission’s role in further strengthening the NDDC’s impact.

    Reflecting on the East-West Road project, which has faced significant delays, Momoh emphasized the ministry’s intent to work closely with the Ministry of Works to expedite its completion. 

    He also pointed to President Tinubu’s recent coastal road initiative, which will connect Lagos to Calabar, impacting around 80% of Niger Delta communities. 

    This project aims to boost trade and enhance transportation networks, fostering economic growth throughout the region.

    Additionally, Minister Momoh disclosed that he has directed the NDDC to begin immediate palliative work on critical highways in the Niger Delta, signaling a focus on addressing urgent infrastructure challenges with practical solutions.

  • Afatakpa hail Igali’s emergence as PANDEF chairman

    Afatakpa hail Igali’s emergence as PANDEF chairman

    Ambassador ( Chief) Freeman Mac-Anthony Aghogho Afatakpa, Iyasere of Orhuworhun Kingdom, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, has congratulated Amb. Godknows Igali, the new Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

    Afatakpa, also Enemute of Agbarho Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government, in a statement on Saturday, in Warri, Delta State, said Igali is a true pan Niger Deltan and genuinely committed to actualisation of dreams of Niger Delta people and growth of the oil rich region.

    The South-South Zonal Director for Youth Affairs, International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS) also thanked PANDEF for electing Igali as Chairman to lead the frontline Niger Delta group.

    According to him, Igali had shown genuine commitment to the growth and development of Niger Delta in his personal capacity, noting that as Chairman of PANDEF, he has been given opportunity to contribute and do more for his people.

    He expressed optimism that Igali will deliver on his new assignment, explaining that the people of Niger Delta have absolute confidence in him.

    The Urhobo born businessman and Chairman/CEO, De-Leo Group of Companies, urged the people of Niger Delta to support Igali led PANDEF for the collective interest of the region.

    He advised the people of Niger Delta to unite and continue to live in harmony while pursuing to achieve a common goal, adding that the region is blessed with human and natural resources.

    Afatakpa further advised youths in South South region to remain  peaceful and law abiding, noting that International Oil Companies and others operators should consider creating employment for the youths to sustain the existing peace in the region.

  • Flood: PANDEF calls for urgent action to protect coastal areas

    Flood: PANDEF calls for urgent action to protect coastal areas

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Wednesday, September 11, urged the federal government to take urgent action to protect the coastal states from the impending flooding.

    PANDEF in a statement by its national secretary, Dr. Alfred Mulade said the predicted disaster poses an existential threat to the lives, properties, and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians living in the vulnerable areas.

    The vulnerable areas are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Edo states.

    Read Also: Olamide is my godfather, Portable declares

    The statement reads: “The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) urgently appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the concerned Federal Government Ministries and Agencies to take immediate and decisive actions to protect the most coastal states of the country from the impending flooding coming from Rivers Niger and Benue and the spate of seawater rise from the Atlantic Ocean.

    “The predicted disaster poses an existential threat to the lives, properties, and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians living in these vulnerable areas Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Edo states.

    “We, therefore, appeal to Mr. President to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the double-ended flooding, including reinforcing and upgrading flood defences and embankments; carrying evacuation of people living in high-risk areas; rapid deployment of emergency relief materials and aid comprehensive support for affected communities, including rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, and urgent construction of shelters on higher grounds to provide safe temporary housing for displaced persons.

    “It is important for PANDEF to stress that every minute counts and prompt attention is crucial to prevent catastrophic consequences. We therefore urge the federal government to treat this existential situation with the utmost urgency and seriousness which it deserves to protect the lives of these our population.”

  • PANDEF condemns killing of military personnel in Delta

    PANDEF condemns killing of military personnel in Delta

    Chief Edwin Clark led Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the killings of senior military officers and soldiers at Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta.

    Clark in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, March 17, expressed his pain and displeasure over the dastardly act.

    He said: “This dastardly act is totally unacceptable and must be fully investigated. There must be no sacred cows,  the culprits must be brought to book as early as possible. 

    “PANDEF mourns the slain military personnel and commiserates with all the families and the entire Nigerian Army.

    “PANDEF further urges the Nigerian Army and other security personnel around the country to continue with their great national service and not to be dettered by this present sad development.”

  • Governorship polls: PANDEF commends Tinubu’s non-interference in Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo

    Governorship polls: PANDEF commends Tinubu’s non-interference in Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo

    Chief Edwin Clark led Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his non-interference in the last Saturday’s off-season elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.

    The group also commended the electoral umpire and the security agencies for the successful conduct of the polls.

    PANDEF also urged losers in the polls to show sportsmanship by conceding defeat.

    The group in a statement signed by its national chairman, Emmanuel Ibok Essien, stated: “We must also commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his stately stance of non-interference in the electoral process.

    “We are using this opportunity to also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the security agencies for the orderly manner in which they conducted the off-season election in Bayelsa State. It should be noted that Bayelsa State is critical to the stability of the Niger Delta region, and the national economy in general. Hence, the peaceful electoral outcome is quite pleasing to all.”

    PANDEF also called: “On all the other governorship candidates in the election, especially former Governor Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to follow the example set by the noble son of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta, former President Goodluck Jonathan, in reaching out to Governor Diri who has been returned winner of the November 11 Governorship election, in the overall interest of Bayelsa state.”

    Read Also: PANDEF acknowledges Tinubu’s positive steps

    They also congratulated Governor Douye Diri “On his well-deserved re-election for a 2nd Term and urged him to be magnanimous in victory while calling on all political leaders in Bayelsa State to work together by placing the peace and stability of the state above all other considerations.

    “PANDEF further commends the people of Bayelsa state for the relatively peaceful governorship election, which was devoid of violence in most places.”

    PANDEF calls on the security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported unfortunate incident of death in Brass local government area of the state as well as other infractions committed during the election.

  • Niger Delta Ministry: PANDEF commends Tinubu, sets agenda for minister

    Niger Delta Ministry: PANDEF commends Tinubu, sets agenda for minister

    • Seeks special attention for Presidential Amnesty Programme

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) yesterday commended President Bola Tinubu for promptly acting on its request for the appointment of minister for Niger Delta Development.

    The Niger Delta group described Tinubu’s prompt action as an expression of good leadership. 

    PANDEF had, during an emergency meeting in Abuja penultimate Friday, protested the omission of the Niger Delta Ministry from the list of portfolios assigned to ministers recently announced by the Federal Government and asked Tinubu to address the omission.

    Read Also: Niger Delta stakeholders back probe of oil derivation fund

    Forty-eight hours after the communiqué, the President named Engr. Abubakar Momoh as minister for the ministry, moving him from the Ministry of Youth which was initially assigned to him

    Speaking in a telephone chat with The Nation yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, Hon Ken Robinson, said:  “We need to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for listening to our demand. That is leadership.

    “Whether it was an act of omission or deliberately intended, the people reacted and observed that the omission was not right and gave very genuine reasons why it should be otherwise and the ministry should be sustained.

    “I guess within 24 to 48 hours  a decision was taken to assign a minister to that ministry.

    “We need to commend the president and his administration for that prompt action in response to the voices of the people of Niger Delta.”

    Robinson recalled how the Yaradua Administration created the ministry to coordinate developmental issues in the region,saying “ It was the efforts of the Niger Delta people as part of the amnesty programme to ensure that the developmental challenges in the Niger Delta are speedily addressed and that the people were assuaged particularly the youths that were agitating.” 

    He asked the minister to  “be aware and appreciate the fact that, that ministry he is occupying was created out of the struggle of the Niger Delta people.”

    Continuing,he said: “In this administration now, that ministry has been sustained  as a result of the actions of the people of the Niger Delta.  We will want the minister to appreciate that and accept the fact that he is there to serve the nation in general and particularly the Niger Delta region and his people. 

    “The ministry has a specific mandate and we would want him to work within that mandate and as we have said at other fora, the minister of Niger Delta, whether they call it affairs or department or development should be like the chief lobbyist for the region because what we have observed lately is that because we have a Niger Delta Development Commission, very little is given to the Niger Delta statutorily from other ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Robinson said that in 2021   there were publications on the number of roads being undertaken by the ministry of works.

    “Out of over 500 roads, we did not see up to five roads  in the Niger Delta region being undertaken by the federal ministry of works.  If you divide 500 by 36 states and the FCT, I am sure that more than five should go to each state if it is done appropriately and justly.

    “The situation we have found ourselves is that because of these interventionist agencies, that are supposed to serve as extra bonus for the environmental and social economic disadvantages that we suffer,  as a result of oil and gas exploration activities, the federal government and its ministries, agencies and departments  and other sections of the country, public officers from other sections of the country tend to exclude the Niger Delta from federal allocations, distribution of projects and even programmes and policies.

    “We saw that happen during the distribution of palliatives during the COVID 19 period.  We had to shout out before some amends were made.

    “So, the task before the minister of Niger Delta is that his job is to supervise the developmental issues in the Niger Delta, including the developmental efforts of the IOCs , including other efforts by the federal government ministries and departments of the federal government that has direct bearing with the Niger Delta and then, most importantly  serve as a chief lobbyist for the region among his cabinet members.

     “Recently, we have seen that the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has almost reduced itself to become minister of Niger Delta Development Commission.  We are hoping and watching to ensure that this does not persist.

    “The NDDC was established by an Act of Parliament even before the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. So, the NDDC should be allowed to function as an independent body but perhaps supervised by the ministry if necessary or perhaps taken back to the presidency because the ministry has reduced the NDDC to as if it were  a department of the ministry. It is not supposed to be so.”

    PANDEF to FG: accord special attention to Presidential Amnesty Programme

    The organization is also seeking special attention by the federal government for the Presidential Amnesty Programme which is says has remained a major booster to the critical oil and gas industry.

    Rising from a meeting of leaders of Niger Delta region with representatives of beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the forum said the amnesty programme has played a major role in bringing peace, security and stability to the Niger Delta region which at that time of its creation by the late President Umaru Yar Adua was challenged by an upsurge of militant activities.  

    It  said: “the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has led to the reign of relative peace in Niger Delta and thereby providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of oil and gas activities to the overall wellbeing of the national economy.” 

    It expressed appreciation to the  Yar’Adua, Jonathan and Buhari governments for  sustaining “this stabilisation Programme” and pleaded with President Tinubu to “accord special attention” to  it.

    It called for the improvement of the  conditions for the implementation of the Programme, as regards welfare of beneficiaries, due to the sharply changed economic circumstances, which are currently prevailing in the country.

    It recommended the establishment of an effective “single window liaison” at the Headquarters of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for the purpose of resolving issues which are brought to the attention of the Interim Administrator.

    It implored youths of the Niger Delta to continue to embrace peace and work with the government to ensure effective implementation of the Programme, and other related efforts aimed at addressing the socio-economic and developmental challenges of the region.

  • PANDEF: cattle colonies will worsen insecurity

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on the Federal Government to ditch plans to establish cattle colonies, otherwise known as ‘Ruga’ as it may worsen insecurity in the country.

    It also urged governors of the Niger Delta states to reject the programme, saying it tilts towards upsetting peace and security in the region.

    PANDEF, in a statement on Thursday, promised to fight the cause fully.

    The statement, signed by the National Secretary, Alfred Mulade, noted that such a move goes to corroborate hearsays that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government seeks to islamise the country.

    The statement reads: “Ruga settlements may heighten strife across the country. PANDEF strongly condemns the programme and hereby says there is no land anywhere in the Niger Delta for the establishment of such settlements for herdsmen.

    Read Also: Ruga settlement: Forum blasts Ortom, Ishaku over rejection of FG’s cattle ranching initiative

    “It is disturbing that in a democracy, the Federal Government would unilaterally decide the establishment of Ruga settlements or cattle colonies. It is necessary to note that the Land Use Act, enacted in 1978 to regulate land tenure and administration systems, and to ensure effective and equitable utilisation of land and land resources in the country, vests all urban land within a state in the governor, and all non-urban land in the local governments in which they are found.

    “PANDEF sees the gesture as disrespect to the rule of law with impunity and authoritarianism, which neither fits into the practice of Democracy, nor supports Mr. President’s recent recommendation of true federalism for Nigeria.

    “In fact, along with the re-submission of the Inland Waterways Bill, and the approval of a Radio frequency for establishment of Radio stations for herdsmen, there is only one inescapable conclusion, and that is, Nigeria is towing a catastrophic destiny.

    “We, therefore, urge governors of the Niger Delta states to collectively reject the programme as it is capable of undermining the prevailing relative peace and security in the region. PANDEF considers those behind this idea as enemies of the country, as the planned settlement could worsen the security situation.

    “We call on the Federal Government to jettison its plan as it is an invitation to chaos.”