Abuja – The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that the instability in the oil-rich region could have severe consequences for national peace and economic stability.
During a significant visit to the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, PANDEF leaders—including traditional rulers, former governors, and senior political figures—presented an eight-point agenda to the President, emphasizing critical issues affecting the South-South geopolitical zone.
A key concern is the rising political tension in Rivers State, where conflicting court rulings have worsened the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Although the governor has publicly pledged to honor a recent Supreme Court ruling, PANDEF fears the situation remains precarious and unresolved.
In response to the crisis, PANDEF has formed a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, headed by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah. Despite this, PANDEF leaders stressed that only a direct intervention by President Tinubu can bring lasting peace, urging him to push all involved parties to seek an amicable solution outside the courts.
Additionally, PANDEF called for the immediate passage of the South-South Development Commission Bill, arguing that it would complement the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). While the NDDC focuses on oil-producing communities, the South-South Development Commission would aim for broader regional development, akin to commissions established in other parts of the country.
Addressing the rising security challenges in the South-South, PANDEF raised concerns over increasing kidnappings, violent attacks, and piracy. The group called for enhanced security measures and the establishment of a Coast Guard unit to protect the region’s coastal communities. They warned that unchecked criminal activities could lead to a resurgence of militancy.
The group also urged the federal government to address the consequences of the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. PANDEF highlighted the displacement of local communities and warned that they are at risk of cultural extinction.
Criticism was also directed at the insufficient allocation of funds for key infrastructure in the region, despite the South-South’s substantial contribution to national revenue. PANDEF pointed to the poor condition of critical roads, such as the East-West Road and the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, and called for immediate government intervention to address the issue.
Further, PANDEF advocated for the development of new deep-sea ports in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Edo states, which they believe would significantly enhance Nigeria’s maritime economy.
The forum also called for greater participation of Niger Delta indigenes in the oil and gas industry, including leadership roles within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other key agencies. They proposed the establishment of modular refineries to combat illegal oil refining, reduce environmental damage, and create economic opportunities for local communities.
Reiterating concerns about environmental degradation from oil exploration, PANDEF called for an expanded clean-up initiative that goes beyond Ogoniland to include other affected Niger Delta communities.
In their concluding remarks, PANDEF stressed the importance of constitutional reforms to restore true fiscal federalism, a stance President Tinubu has supported in the past. They emphasized the need to restructure the revenue-sharing formula to allow regions to drive their own development more effectively.
Although President Tinubu has not publicly responded to PANDEF’s demands, sources present at the meeting suggested that he assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the Niger Delta region.
As tensions in Rivers State remain unresolved and economic challenges continue, PANDEF’s appeal underscores the urgent need for strong leadership to stabilize the South-South and ensure sustainable development for the region.
2027: Tinubu’s second term at risk as APC group backs ex-minister
A former Minister of State for Education under President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, has been backed by a youth group of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Young Nigerian Voices, to contest against the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in 2027 general election.
The Young Nigerian Voices, a group of enthusiastic and concerned young Nigerians, said it is not totally satisfied with policies and programmes of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, as the aspiration of young Nigerian people are not well captured under the present government.
A statement by Deputy National Coordinator of the group, Hon. Bulus Okekeola, made available to newsmen in Awka, Tuesday, said that the group’s call was necessitated by Hon. Nwajiuba’s impressive track record of good public service and his potential to correct the anomalies created by successive governments.
It further pointed that Nwajiuba remains a credible Nigerian capable of bringing out the best from Nigeria, and in Nigerians, especially the youths.
Part of the statement reads, “As a former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Nwajiuba demonstrated his commitment to the development of Nigerian youths and the education sector.
“His experience and expertise make him an ideal candidate to tackle the country’s pressing challenges, including the anomalies created by the present government in the areas of the economy, health, education, Infrastructure etc.”
The statement recalled that in the build up to the 2023 general election, the group also called on Nigerians to support a president of the South East extraction, with Hon. Nwajiuba as its preferred candidate.
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Anambra guber: Moghalu tours 21 LGAs, seeks LP stakeholders’ support
Anambra – Labour Party’s frontline governorship aspirant, Chief Dr. George Moghalu, has completed a comprehensive tour of Anambra’s 21 local government areas. During the tour, Moghalu met with party stakeholders, executives, and members, sharing his vision and seeking their support for the November 8 governorship election.
Moghalu’s tour, which commenced in mid-February, covered various local government areas, including Anambra West, Anambra East, and Oyi LGAs, where he initiated his tour, engaging with party faithful and outlining his plans for the state’s development. He concluded his tour on March 2, with visits to Ihiala and Nnewi North LGAs, receiving enthusiastic support from party members and stakeholders.
In the riverine and agrarian areas like Ayamelum, Ogbaru, and others, Moghalu emphasized his commitment to introducing mechanized farming to promote export and food sufficiency, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. In major commercial and industrial areas like Onitsha, Ekwulobia, and Nnewi, Moghalu assured party faithful of providing opportunities for major incentives and assistance to help private businesses thrive, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities.
Throughout the tour, Moghalu highlighted several key points, including Nnewi’s significant contributions to Anambra’s development, despite never producing a governor. He emphasized the need for Nnewi to produce a governor, given its substantial contributions to the state’s growth. Moghalu also expressed his desire to make Awka a modern capital city, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage and providing a conducive environment for businesses and residents.
Moghalu stressed the need for partnership and support from party stakeholders, stating that “power is not given, it is taken.” He emphasized the importance of collective effort and cooperation in achieving success in the governorship election. Moghalu expressed his commitment to defending the votes and winning the governorship election for Labour Party.
Party stakeholders and executives praised Moghalu’s leadership qualities, expressing confidence in his ability to win the election and pledging their support. With the Labour Party primary election scheduled for April 5, Moghalu’s message of change and development has resonated with party members, positioning him as a strong contender for the governorship seat.