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Tag: PANDEF

  • 2019: Investigate all electoral infractions now – PANDEF tells FG

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Friday called on the Federal Government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, to immediately investigate all electoral infractions that took place during the 2019 general elections held on February 23 and March 9, 2019.

    While stressing that there should be no sacred cows in the investigation, PANDEF also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to bring to conclusion the process of collation of the Rivers State Governorship Election Results and the winner declared, so as to douse the political tension in the State.

    In a statement by the National Secretary of PANDEF, Alfred Mulade and made available to the Nation, the group appealed to the Federal Government to de-militarize the Niger Delta, so as to enable every citizen go about his/her lawful endeavors.

    The statement reads: “The reported killings, militarization, intimidation, electoral gangsterism and the attendant security situation in some states in the Niger Delta, particularly, in Bayelsa and Rivers States, has become a source of worry.

    “The Abonnema killings in Rivers State, reportedly orchestrated and perpetrated by the military and political thugs, apparently working on the influence of certain politicians with nefarious tendencies, during the Presidential election held on February 23, 2019, is a classic example of how certain desperate politicians and soldiers could instigate mayhem on innocent and defenceless citizens.

    “It must be noted with  every sense of responsibility  the dastardly act of militarization, intimidation, killings, electoral gangsterism and brinkmanship, during this period, and particularly  heightened during the governorship and House of Assembly polls  on March 9, 2019, as was seen in the case of Rivers State,  is not one anybody should pride himself about.”

    READ ALSO: Hungry old men endorsed Atiku – PANDEF

    PANDEF stated that the show of brigandage allegedly demonstrated in Rivers State, by the Army, the Air Force, the Police and other paramilitary personnel by invading the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) Office in Port Harcourt, in a bid to arm-twist and intimidate the INEC Officials in a bid to swing the results of the election to a predetermined candidate, is very dangerous for democracy.

    The Forum noted that the action by the military, was condemnable, and should be condemned by every lover of the Nigeria project, adding that for the fact that the Army issued a denial of their involvement in the shameful act was not enough to completely exonerate them.

    It added that the more the denials from the Military, the more their professionalism, rules of engagement, efficiency and neutrality becomes foggy and doubtful.

    “Is the military ‘crying’ that bloody civilians’ have taken over their duties?

    “If the Theory of neutrality being canvassed by the military is anything to go by, how come the harassment of innocent Niger Deltans in the likes of  Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, HRM Ateke Tom, Traditional Ruler of Okochiri – Okrika and a host of others?.

    “Why has the Army been so involved and entangled with election matters that they are now being out-smarted by so-called civilians-in-uniform?” the statement querried.

    “It must be placed on record, and the Federal Government must be reminded that, the Army, statutorily, has NO business with election duties, and so should NOT have been so deployed, in the first place.

    This is a matter that has been conveniently laid to rest by the Court of Appeal, in 2015,” the statement read further.

  • Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Middle Belt Forum, NEF, PANDEF endorse Atiku

    PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday received a major boost to his ambition with the leadership of five major social cultural groups endorsing his candidacy ahead of the February 16 election.

    Coming under the auspices of Nigeria Leaders and Elders Forum, the leaders of Afenifere, Northern Elders Forum, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Middle Belt Forum and the Pan Niger Delta Forum said they were endorsing the Atiku for the presidential election because they believe that among all the presidential candidates, he has what it takes to lead the country back on track and place it where it should be in the comity of nations.

    In a communique at the end of their meeting in Abuja, they explained that have studied the presidential candidates and they were convinced that Atiku demonstrated deep understanding of critical need of the country and possesses the capacity to proffer clear solutions.

    The communique read by Yinka Odumakin said the forthcoming elections was vital to the country’s democratic survival and co-existence and called on Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, to stand in unison behind the Atiku candidacy.

    The communique reads:  “We adopt the PDP candidate, as the consensus candidate for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as he has demonstrated the deep understanding of the critical need of the country at this time and possesses the capacity to proffer clear solutions in that respect.”

    Atiku, in his response to the endorsement, said the move has placed a greater challenge on his assignment.

    In a statement yesterday, which was personally signed by him, Atiku expressed hope for the country as Nigerians go to the polls to elect a new president in a few days.

    The statement said: “I am moved to tears that in the midst of deep divisions and deliberate use of instrumentalities of state to set our people against themselves in the last three and a half years, responsible and respected leaders across Nigeria have agreed to come together for the purpose of endorsing my candidature for the February 16, 2019 presidential elections.

    “The endorsement by the leading lights of our nationalities – Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Northern Elders Forum, Pan-Niger Delta Forum and Middle Belt Forum is a loud statement that there is hope for our country as we go to the polls in a few days.”

    But, the APC Presidential Campaign Council rejected Atiku’s endorsement.

    The party described it as a fraud by desperate members of the PDP.

    Its spokesman, Festus Keyamo, while reacting to the endorsement, said those who gathered under the various regional groupings were only members of the PDP endorsing their party’s candidate.

    “Secondly, as to the voodoo percentages allocated to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in some voodoo projections by some media houses (which should have since changed their crests to the umbrella – the symbol of the PDP), it is laughable to see them project a tight race between President Muhammadu Buhari and  Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    “For instance, we note with amusement the clear lead given to Atiku in the Southeast, just because his running mate is from the region, but fail to see that same clear advantage given to President Buhari in the Southwest from where the vice president comes.”

  • Atiku ‘moved to tears’ by endorsement of Afenifere, Ohanaeze, NEF, others

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar has relished the endorsement by five socio cultural associations, saying the move has placed a greater challenge on his assignment.

    The Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Northern Elders Forum, Pan-

    Niger Delta Forum and the Middle Belt Forum after a meeting in Abuja on Sunday, thrown their full weight behind Atiku’s presidential aspiration.

    In a statement Sunday, which he personally signed, Atiku expressed hope for the country as Nigerians go to the polls to elect a new President in a few days.

    The statement reads: “I am moved to tears that in the midst of deep divisions and deliberate use of instrumentalities of state to set our people against themselves in the last three and a half years, responsible and respected leaders across Nigeria have agreed to come together for the purpose of endorsing my candidature for the February 16th, 2019 presidential elections.

    READ ALSO: Afenifere, NEF, Ohaneze, PANDEF, others endorse Atiku

    “The endorsement by the leading lights of our nationalities – Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Northern Elders Forum, Pan-Niger Delta Forum and Middle Belt Forum is a loud statement that there is hope for our country as we go to the polls in a few days.

    “Today we put aside all our prejudices to elect a President with religion and ethnicity playing no role in our elections. I profusely thank our Leaders across the country who have created this wonderful moment for us to come to the table of brotherhood.

    “Once again, and in the words of our old National Anthem, we can proudly sing: ‘Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand’.

    The opposition presidential candidate said the endorsement has buoyed him to lead a Pan-Nigerian team that will give practical interpretation to what has been done by the time he takes the baton of leadership of the country, “by the grace of Allah, on May 29, 2019”.

    Continuing, Atiku said: “Many countries of the world have been led into disintegration by strongmen (one in each country) and we have seen how individuals who understand the management of diversities have rallied their people for unity.

    “I have been chosen to unite our people and exactly that I will. I will run a properly federated Nigeria through constitutional reforms to bring out the best from all sections of Nigeria to make Nigeria work again like in the past when the Saudi Royal family came to Nigeria to access Medicare.

    “We will promote an inclusive Nigeria based on productivity that every section of Nigeria will bring out the best under their soil, and in their brains to make Nigeria assume its position in Africa and the global community.

    “It would be 100% for every section of Nigeria as I would not understand any arithmetic outside that. I enjoin our people across Nigeria to come out en-mass to vote on February 16 to pull our country from the brink and propel it to greater heights so we can live a better life. Take my words as a covenant with  Nigeria”.

     

     

     

  • Aginighan: Tributes, praises trail death of former NDDC boss

    Tributes have continued to trail the tragic death of former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ), Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan.

    Aginighan was killed last Friday, along with his first son, Tami and police orderly, in a ghastly motor accident on the East-West Expressway, around Akinima, the headquarters of Ahoada West council area of Rivers state.

    Sending out emotion-laden tributes, in separate states were the commission he led briefly; the NDDC; a leader of his political party in Delta state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF); as well as an Ijaw businessman/activist and a personal friend of the deceased, Mr Ebilate Mac-Yoroki.

    In its condolence message to the family and friends of Aginighan, who was the pioneer Secretary of the Ijaw apex sociopolitical organisation, the Ijaw National Congress, the NDDC, in a statement issued by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Dr Ibitoye Abosede, quoting the Chairman and Managing Director of the Commission; Senator Victor Ndoma Egba and Mr Nsima Ekere, respectively, the family was admonished to rest on God at this time.

    “Aginighan was passionate in the struggle for better living conditions for the Niger Delta people. He served in various leadership positions in various organizations committed to improving the quality of lives of Niger Delta people and Nigeria in general. He was Director-General of the Ijaw Youths Action League and held other leadership positions too numerous to mention.

    “Pastor Aghinighan has remained very supportive to the Commission, years after serving as the Acting Managing Director. This is indeed a huge and overwhelming loss for his wife, family, the people of the Niger Delta Region and the entire Board, Management and Staff of NDDC.”

    “We pray that Almighty God grant his wife, the rest of Aginighan family and entire Ijaw nation the fortitude to bear this overwhelming loss”, it said.

    In his own message, Olorogun Emerhor said besides being the undisputed leader of the Ijaw people in the APC in the state, Aginighan was his ally in the struggle to liberate Delta state from misrule, adding that his death had created a huge vacuum in leadership in the state and the nation at large.

    “Late P Z Aginighan was not just the acknowledged leader of the Ijaw nation in Delta APC, but a great leader of the Ijaw nation in Delta state who during his life time lived for others by making sacrifices even at great cost to ensure that the downtrodden are lifted out of poverty during his days at the NDDC.

    “His sudden death is a devastating blow to Deltans, the Ijaw nation and the APC family in Delta state; especially at this critical political times when his inputs would have been so valuable and crucial.

    “He was a supportive, proactive and dependable ally, who is committed to the liberation of Delta from too many years of misrule by the PDP. His demise therefore, has created a huge vacuum in Delta APC, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria at large. Indeed, an irreparable loss”, he said.

    In its own brief reaction, the PANDEF, in a statement issued by its Secretary, Dr Alfred Mulade, said “the leadership of PANDEF family, and indeed, the Niger Delta region has lost a rare gem”.

    Read Also: Buhari mourns Delta APC Chieftain, son

    In his own tribute, one of Pastor Aginighan’s long time friend, Mac-Yoroki, lamented the loss of a friend of almost four decades, adding that his (Aginighan’) influence on him compelled him to become a financial member of the INC when it was initially formed.

    “From our time in the University, he was a rallying point of planning, coordination and direction. It was for this personal knowledge, I became one of the first few financial members of INC few weeks after its formation, when he visited my Portharcourt office with his assistant, Mr Agbegha.

    “With a fruitful relationship of over thirty eight years , our brother hood and friendship blossomed. It was with great joy I coordinated his son’s wedding at Lagos last year. In February this year, he also shelved all other schedules to Grace my son’s wedding in Lagos from Port Harcourt. I will forever remember his relentless efforts in persuading me to play more prominent roles in the Delta state and Ijaw affairs”, Mac-Yoroki lamented.

  • Global investments in Nigeria hit $4.1bn, says Osinbajo 

    Global investments in Nigeria hit $4.1bn, says Osinbajo 

    * Osinbajo says no past govt in Nigeria ever employed 200,000 unemployed graduates at once, like Muhammadu Buhari Administration with N-Power.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that the global investments in Nigeria has increased from $908 million in the first quarter of 2017 to $4.1 billion now. 

    He made the remark in a media chat on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos,  Switzerland.

    On the claim that the security situation in Nigeria is a deterrent for global investors, he said “Global investors are coming. As a matter of fact, we are doing much better than ever before. If you look at the difference between Q1 of 2017 and now, there is a lift from $908 million to $4.1 billion. 

    “There is no deterrent. I think that global investors understand that there are security challenges everywhere and that so long as you are able to provide enough grounds for people to believe that, by and large, there is safety. Look at what is going on elsewhere in the world, security is a challenge everywhere. The duty of government is to ensure that security is maintained as robustly as possible.

    “Sometimes by the very nature of security concerns, if something is happening in the Delta or up North somewhere, it really does provide a challenge for security agencies, but it is an opportunity to beef up security. 

    “We are recruiting policemen, we are even trying to build up the army and recruit more people into the army. For instance, if you look at what happened during the clashes in Southern Kaduna, we had to locate a military formation there. We may have to do that in several other places, locating military formations where we find communal violence. Security is dynamic; you have to keep working at it.” he said 

    On the threat by the Niger Delta Avengers to resume attacks, he said “Let me say that we are in constant consultations with all of the groups in the Niger Delta, but more importantly, we are working on all of the issues that we agreed with PANDEF. We are engaged with the groups; we have opened the Maritime University, we are working hard on the Modular Refineries which we hope will be a replacement for some of the illegal refineries and also create opportunities in the Niger Delta. 

    “We are in constant consultations, there are many groups in the Niger Delta, including the Niger Delta Avengers, and we are in constant consultations.”

    On the major takeaways from the several bilateral meetings he attended, he said “I think the major thing is collaboration, which is really where everybody is at. The world has become a much more interconnected place. There is really little that is being done in Nigeria that doesn’t have some kind of either regional or global impact in the world. 

    “A lot of what we are talking about is collaboration; economic collaboration, collaboration against terrorism and all manners of extremist behaviours. That is what I am taking away.”

    Osinbajo added “You don’t sign agreements here; all you can do is what I have said. Talk about what can be done, in what areas we can cooperate, what are the best and easiest ways of working together. You can’t wait to sign conventions; the world is moving far too quickly, the issues are so dynamic.”

    Speaking on the US’s welcome for a weaker dollar in Nigeria, Osinbajo said “We are naturally concerned about currency issues everywhere, but a weaker dollar does not necessarily hurt us (Nigeria).  We are concerned most about ensuring our exports are cheaper. Our concern is how to make ourselves competitive with our foreign exchange. So we have to deal with our own currency issues, ensure our currency is stable and adequate to meet with the challenges posed to us at this time. We are more concerned about sorting ourselves out and remaining competitive.

    “The issue for us is in ensuring that the currency is stable. What the NAFEX (Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange) window does is, more or less, to provide an opportunity for the Naira to have its real value against the dollar. In some senses, we are there. 

    “What works today is some sort of intervention; you can’t just open up and say, let things go the way they want. You just mentioned that the US would like to see a weaker dollar, so obviously there is intervention somewhere. We want the market to dictate as much as possible, but where we find that there may be complications, we are ready to intervene.”

    On the claim that Nigeria is politically and economically stable, he said “I think so. The economy is certainly in much more better state than it was 2 years ago and even 4 years ago. Our reserves are at $40 billion, the highest it has been in 4 years. Our capital market is set to be the best performing in the world. We have moved up 24 places in the ease of doing business, agriculture is up by over 3%. We are becoming a net producer of rice, 7 million to 11 million tonnes of paddy which has never happened before. We will be self-sufficient in rice production. Investments are also coming in, so economically; I would say that we are doing very well. 

    “The critical thing is that the man on the streets must feel the impact, which sometimes takes a while, because when you are talking about growth, there must be jobs, but growth doesn’t immediately translate to jobs.

    “What we are trying to do is to establish a system of governance that first of all, emphasises prudence in financial spending, which is what we had in mind to do with the TSA and with the general controls in spending. So we are earning 60% less than what was earned in 2014, but we are spending N1.3 trillion on capital expenditure, the highest in the history of the country, with 60% less revenue.

    “What is important to bear in mind, is that we have changed the model of government in Nigeria substantially. We place emphasis on good governance especially financial prudence, which is very crucial. That is something in the past few years we haven’t seen. That is why we able to work with 60% less revenue, that has improved. We are doing better in terms of managing our finances, and in terms of doing much more with far less.” he said 

    Asked to highlight the timeline when Nigerians will start to feel the impact of the economy,  he said “I think we are seeing the progress day by day. For example, look at investments; when an investment comes in, it doesn’t immediately translate to jobs until a few months. 

    “When you look at youth unemployment, for the first time in the history of this country, we have employed 200,000 graduates, there is no administration that has done that. We are also giving them devices for their training, so that each of them would have a device that they can use in training, in code writing and computing. 

    “They can be better prepared for private employment, entrepreneurship in whatever they want to do. 200,000 young people by a government through one specific programme, and we are doing 300,000 more this year, so we are hoping to employ 500,000 graduates. There is unemployment all over the world, especially over Sub-Saharan Africa, but we are addressing it aggressively.” Osinbajo added. 

    Asked to comment on Donald Trump’s alleged comments about some African countries and its likely effect on the relationship between the US and Nigeria, Osinbajo said “At the diplomatic level, there have been interactions, the ambassador was invited by our Foreign Affairs Minister and I’m sure you are familiar with the conversation. The most important thing is that the overall interests of our countries are greater than anything else. We need each other, Africa needs America and America needs Africa in several strategic ways. 

    “We must continue to maintain our relationship. I’m also told that Mr. Trump said that he did not make those statements and we should accept that.” he said. 

    Asked if he intends to run with President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, Osinbajo said “I’m absolutely focused at this time on doing the job that we have been elected to do. That is my concern for now.”

    Asked to speak on the concrete steps being taken to boost non-oil revenue, he said “I’m sure you are familiar with some of the figures; non-oil revenues have gone up by 40%; mining and agriculture are critical areas for us. Agriculture, in particular, is a major area of focus and that is one of the greatest contributors to GDP growth at this point. 

    “We intend to do more especially in the area of agro-allied businesses and manufacturing, and that remains for us, a very critical aspect of the economy which we are working on. If you look at our Economy Recovery Growth Plan, and some of the very specific implementation objectives of that plan – our ease of doing business is focused on creating an environment where the non-oil sector can really expand and prosper in ways which will benefit jobs and growth. 

    “The major concern is how to improve agriculture and do much more in mining, which is also an area of growth and manufacturing.

    “Special Economic Zones (SEZ) are one of the things we have come here to discuss; we had a special session on it. What we are also trying to do is in the garment manufacturing. We want to become the hub in garment manufacturing in Africa. 

    “One of our SEZs is devoted to garment manufacturing and we are going about this by talking directly to the anchor investors, asking them what it will take, and what they want to ensure that it works. We are providing in those SEZs, adequate power and the infrastructure required. 

    “We also have the whole incentive regime. So with the SEZs, we have garment manufacturing, which is one example, and we create real opportunities and exponential growth in jobs.” Osinbajo said 

    On what Nigeria is taking away from the meeting with Bill Gates, Osinbajo said “The meeting focused on two areas; one is with the work being done in collaboration with Dangote Foundation and the Federal Government on Polio immunisation and also on agricultural transformation. Those are two major areas, as well as financial inclusion. We found that financial inclusion is crucial in the work we are doing, especially with our conditional cash transfers, we were hoping to reach a million people. 

    “We are finding it difficult to reach people in certain areas because there are no money agents or banks functioning in those areas. The work we are doing with Bill Gates and the Central Bank of Nigeria is on issuing guidelines on the mobile telephony aspect of financial inclusion. We now want a situation where you are able to do much more with mobile phones with respect to financial inclusion. 

    “That will help a great deal because we would be able to reach the farthest reaches of our country and bring more people into the regulated financial space so that more people can benefit from credit, funds and payments made by government and individual payments. This has to be by 2018.” he said 

  • PANDEF splinter group PNDPC returns

    The Pan-Niger Delta People’s Congress (PNDPC), a splinter group of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has rejoined PANDEF.

    PNDPC, led by the paramount ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom, Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu and High Chief Mike Loyibo, had challenged the Chief Edwin Clark-led PANDEF in the last few months.

    Although Ayemi-Botu was absent at the harmonisation meeting held at Clark’s country home in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, Chief Loyibo, who led the PNDPC entourage, affirmed that all disagreements had been rested.

    On the PNDPC’s entourage were the Pere of Ogulagha Kingdom Joseph Timiyan; Prof Christopher Dime; Chief Prefugha Karawei; Chief Wellington Bobo; Chief William Borme and Chief D.S.P Oyadonghan.

    Loyibo said the PNDPC ceased to exist, following the parley with Chief

    Clark, adding that it would be unproductive for the people to work at cross purposes.

    “We are back. The only way we can progress as a region is to stick together as one, and we have decided that from today, there’s nothing like PNDPC anymore, there’s only one umbrella body, which is PANDEF, under the leadership of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. I’m talking on behalf of the entire PNDPC; that’s why we are here.

    “When we are divided, we cannot achieve development for our people, and what we are talking about is Niger Delta; Niger Delta must come first and second. The issue our father has been pursuing is how he can advance the cause of the Niger Delta, and that is what we all stand for, and that’s why we decided to collapse under PANDEF, to work under our leader so that we can achieve development for our people,” Loyibo said.

    Chief Clark thanked Loyibo and his entourage for seeing reasons for mending fences, and Alaowei Broderick Bozimo for making the peace meeting happen.

    He, however, urged the Federal Government to see the Niger Delta movement as one indivisible entity, instead of trying to divide it.

    His words: “In every community, you are bound to agree and disagree, that’s the basis

    of democracy. We have now met and decided to come together, to work together, and we use this opportunity to advise the Federal

    Government to see us as one, and not do anything to create division among us.

    “We want to emphasise again that the Pan-Niger Delta Forum is not an Ijaw affair, people should not use the word Ijaw to discredit us; we are for everybody in the Niger Delta and whatever is happening in the Niger Delta. We should all work together, not allowing anybody,

    whether the Federal Government, or any other organisation, divide.”

  • Militancy: Niger Delta Leaders call for calm

    Militancy: Niger Delta Leaders call for calm

    Reactions have started trailing the threat by dreaded militant group; the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to resume violent agitation in the oil-rich region, with some elders and opinion leaders of the region calling on the group to sheathe its sward.

    The group, popularly referred to as ‘the Avengers’ had on Friday called off its unilateral ceasefire, warning oil companies of imminent bloody attacks on their facilities and personnel in the Niger Delta and citing federal government’s failure to devote serious attention to issues affecting their homeland.

    But reacting to the development during a chat in Warri Saturday the spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri Southwest council area of Delta state, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, while calling on the group to calm down and suspend plans of attack, faulted the federal government for not living up to its promises to the region.

    According to him, the federal government had failed to fulfill any of the promises that led to the suspension of the hostilities, more than one year after meeting with leaders of the region under the aegis of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

    “We admonish the avengers to sheathe their swords. Whatever is making them angry is justifiable. Oil is the blood of the nation. Destroying oil and gas facilities will do us no good.

    “It’s one year and two days since PANDEF tendered the 16-point agenda to the president after pleading with the avengers. So why won’t they be angry? Perhaps the threats from the avengers will wake the FG up. They should remember that the avengers are not laptop criminals, but real agitators.

    “On the Maritime University, nothing seems to be happening. The N2 billion, which is even small, has not been released. The Delta state government should also do something. The peace we’ve been enjoying is that of the graveyard because the FG is not doing anything to ease the problem. The EPZ project is on hold.

    “All developments are directed to the north. Can you imagine the president telling the world bank to focus development in the north. Over 80% employment is directed to the north. Does the FG really have the intention to develop the Niger Delta? It’s our land, if we burst pipe line, it devastates the land”, he said.

  • PANDEF Vs PNDPC

    There appears a turf war brewing in the Niger Delta.

    What is not clear is whether the war is for the soul of Niger Deltans, in an umpteenth attempt to corral a better deal from the Federal Government; or a hustling attempt to catch the attention of Abuja, that a new bunch of “leaders” has hit town.

    It all depends on which part of the divide you stand.

    “PANDEF remains authentic voice of N-Delta” went a story in the Vanguard of August 30, quoting the durable Edwin Clark, who had been strutting on the Niger Delta turf, as a young federal commissioner under Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Military Head of State from 1966-1975.

    In that story, Alfred Mulade, quoted as PANDEF’s coordinating secretary, urged the security agencies to probe an alleged faction of PANDEF, known as the Pan-Niger Delta People’s Congress (PNDPC).

    But you ask, when did being a faction of a group become a crime, necessitating the probe of security agencies?  Well, Dr. Mulade claimed that faction was baiting a coalition of “militant” groups to make noise and foment trouble, just to claim PANDEF had been overthrown by PNDPC as the authentic negotiating voice for the Niger Delta. Claims and counter-claims!

    Well, in PNDPC’s ranks, aside from the “ghost” militant group that PANDEF claims are real faces, with at least a traditional ruler.  PANDEF fingered HRM Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu, the paramount ruler of Sembiri Kingdom and Chief Mike Loyibo, claimed PNDPC national leader and coordinator.  They would appear the PANDEF truducers-in-chief, drumming support for the rival PNDPC.

    But from the PANDEF disclaimer, the PNDPC threat would appear potent enough for PANDEF to a ringing renunciation of phoney “militants” PNDPC allegedly uses as scarecrow, to create a siege situation.

    “There was never at any time any group of militants that goes by any of those names gave PANDEF any mandate, as these groups do not exist anywhere,” PANDEF declared. “This is a clear handiwork or creation of mischievous persons of no consequence and grassroots relevance attempting to mislead the public, to appropriate the gains PANDEF has recorded for the Niger Delta, to curry cheap popularity.”

    Impressive denunciation!  But a legitimate question: how much of it is notorious facts, as the lawyers would say?  And much of it is stacking of cards, to drown the PNDPC, in the eye of the storm, in a flurry of blows?  That would not be known, until PNDPC takes its own turn under the sun.

    Still, one thing is clear: the Niger Delta, under northern military heads of state and elected presidents, under President Olusegun Obasanjo, and under own son Goodluck Jonathan, has always held the short end of the stick, with many of its own greedy elite making it so.

    The latest manifestation is the alleged Diezani greed, under Jonathan.  If the allegations are true, then Diezani with the humongous sleaze plaguing her name, runs the legitimate chance of becoming a fair and proper human symbol for sheer greed.  Yet, the Niger Delta poor were the ultimate victims.  Yet, Diezani and Jonathan are Niger Delta daughter and son!

    That is why these groups should quit these barren turf wars and focus on getting the best deal for their long-suffering people.

  • Niger Delta agitators threaten to resume bombing

    Niger Delta agitators threaten to resume bombing

    A coalition of Niger Delta agitators on Thursday threatened to resume bombing of oil installations in the region and warned the federal government to stop dealing wit the Edwin Clark led Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF) on their behalf saying the group can not resolve the crisis in the region”

    The group, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja also asked Northerners and Yourbas from South west resident in the region to vacate the Niger Delta before October 1, while oil companies operating in the area and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation. must relocate their headquarters to the the region.

    The coalition which is made up of eight different militant groups dissociated themselves from the recent meeting help between Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo and PANDEF, describing the meeting as another ploy to deceive the people of the Niger Delta.

    The signatories to the statement included General John Duku (Niger Delta Watchdogs and Convener Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators); General Ekpo Ekpo ( Niger Delta Volunteers); General Osarolor Nedam (Niger Delta Warriors) and Major-Gen. Henry Okon Etete (Niger Delta Peoples Fighters).

    Others were Major-Gen. Asukwo Henshaw for Bakassi Freedom Fighters; Major-Gen. Ibinabo Horsfall for Niger Delta Movement for Justice; Major-Gen. Duke Emmanson for Niger Delta Fighters Network and Major-Gen. Inibeghe Adams for Niger Delta Freedom Mandate.

    It will be recalled that PANDEF led by Chief Edwin Clarke met twice with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo recently at the Presidential Villa to articulate lasting solution to the challenges of the people in the region. 

    The Niger Delta agitators said that they had resolved to declare Republic of Niger Delta on October 1 and congratulated the Yourubas on their intention to declare an Oduduwa Republic, saying that they would work in tandem with the South East and Middle Belt to achieve economic and diplomatic developments.

    The statement read in full: “At the general council meeting of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (CNDA) involving surveillance department, intelligence department and commanding officers held today to deliberate on the recent development in the Niger Delta and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) meeting with the Acting President, after hours of careful deliberations, we unanimously resolved to commence Operation Zero Oil in the Niger Delta from September 10, 2017 as a preparation for the actualization of Niger Delta Republic

    “We totally condemn the recent meeting between PANDEF and the Acting President; we see it as another plot to deceive the Niger Delta people. First and foremost, the meeting was marred with inordinate greed of the PANDEF as they did not involve the representatives of the Agitating groups and youths leaders. 

    “We wish to let the Acting President to know that those he met have no capacity and cannot solve the current crisis in the Niger Delta; therefore they cannot represent the militants or speak for the Niger Delta people. 

    “The Coalition unanimously adopts to stand by the previous demands, which are: 100% percent control of our resources. The Federal Government should hand over all oil blocks owned by the Northerners/Yorubas to Niger Delta indigenes. All Oil companies operating in such oil blocks/wells should vacate October 1st, 2017.

    “Relocation of NNPC to any of the Niger Delta state and replacement of the Group Managing Director with an indigene of region. All the Multinational Oil, Gas, Servicing and Marine Companies must relocate their operational base to the Niger Delta, sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with Niger Delta people which would include Niger Delta indigenes being paid same salaries with foreigners. 

    “We demand independence and sovereign Republic of Niger Delta, all the companies and business owned by the Northerners / Yorubas in Niger Delta should be vacated before 1st October 2017, we accept and congratulate the Yorubas for demanding Oduduwa Republic and we wish them success.

    “We hereby call on all agitating groups to resume attacks/bombings on all oil/gas pipelines, especially the exporting lines across the Niger Delta region from September 10, 2017. This is to ensure zero oil/gas production before October 1, 2017.

    “We shall work to interface with more patriotic and zealous Niger Delta people to work out new collective approach that will ensure total freedom and complete control of our resources by any means necessary.

    “We shall from henceforth, fight to liberate ourselves from the shackles of neo-colonialism and rule ourselves under a Niger Delta Republic, with diplomatic and economic relations with the peoples of the South East and Middle Belt.

    “Finally, we want to inform the federal government of Nigeria and the general public that we no longer recognize PANDEF under the present leadership as they are working against the interest of the Niger Delta people.”

  • MEND withdraws representatives in PANDEF

    The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has recalled its representatives in the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

    It dissociated itself from PANDEF’s “hypocritical” news conference in Abuja on July 31, where it (PANDEF) gave the Federal Government November 1 ultimatum to meet its demands.

    The militant group, yesterday, in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said PANDEF, led by elder statesmen Chief Edwin Clark, ex-Information minister, and King Alfred Diete-Spiff, pioneer military governor of the old Rivers State, who is the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State, cannot give an ultimatum to the Federal Government.

    MEND said PANDEF leaders made demands they never made when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, an indigene of Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State, was President.

    It said: “Instead of listening to the so-called Niger Delta activists and the compromised Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), who miraculously regained the voice they lost when Jonathan was President, and instead of issuing threats through fake Internet-based militant groups, PANDEF ought to have used the forum and opportunity to hail the Federal Government for exposing monumental looting by sons and daughters of the soil (Niger Delta),  down to the alleged mind-boggling theft by Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    “PANDEF is also pretending not to notice that the amnesty programme is still operating on the corrupt template that  pays ghost militants, after it hoodwinked the government (of President Muhammadu Buhari) into believing in the fraud. A programme that has neglected the children of the dead freedom fighters and those in prisons, for those that never made any sacrifice, is cursed.”