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  • PANDEF hails TInubu for signing South South Devt Comm Bill into law

    PANDEF hails TInubu for signing South South Devt Comm Bill into law

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bill recently passed by the National Assembly.

    PANDEF noted that the presidential assent to the bill will further boost the confidence of the people of Niger Delta on the President Tinubu-led administration and its renewed efforts to bringing development to the oil-rich region.

    In a statement on Wednesday signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, described the development as historic and laudable steps to bring succour to the region plagued by underdevelopment.

    Igali, according to the statement, the establishment of the commission would address peculiar social, environmental, and developmental issues.

    PANDEF similarly commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill as it will help to accelerate development in the South-South.

    “On behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and peoples which make up the South-South geopolitical zone, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) conveys profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, announcedon Tuesday the 25th of March, 2025. We also commend the National Assembly for the timely completion of work on this piece of legislation.

    “This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country and; in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region.

    “PANDEF is hopeful that in setting up this new Commission, Mr President will carefully select competent and tested hands with cognate skills and experience to ensure that this body plays its complimentary role to the efforts of our Governors in delivering sustainable development to the region, which continues to contribute immensely to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades.

    “PANDEF reiterates that other outstanding issues, especially environmental remediation from the negative impact of oil and gas production as well as an acute deficit in basic infrastructure which constitute an existential threat to the South-South, would be treated as a priority.

    “Finally , PANDEF is hopeful that based on the sustained nationwide appeals and genuine concerns from virtually every corner of the country over the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor and the State Assembly, Mr President would graciously accord urgent attention to restoration of the State back to its normal democratic governance by immediately recalling the Governor, Deputy Governor and the State Assembly”, the statement added.

  • Emergency Rule: PANDEF queries TInubu, says you used pipeline explosion as an alibi

    Emergency Rule: PANDEF queries TInubu, says you used pipeline explosion as an alibi

    …yet failed to declare such rule in some northern states who live under perpetual tension

    … totally rejects the emergency rule

    The PANDEF has queried President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State using the incident of pipeline explosion as an alibi to make such a move.

    The group made reference to 2013 when the then President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in some northern states and how TInubu vehemently kicked against it.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this was contained in a communique issued late Wednesday and signed by all their leaders.

    They insisted that the president made the move barely one week after the group and over 100 dignitaries of Niger Delta visited him on the issue declaring that:

    “Although reference has been made to the blow up of a pipeline which PANDEF condemns, the question is if this is the first time such occurrences had happened in Nigeria and even in the life span of the present administration.

    ” So, why militarise Rivers State, even before security forces have carried out investigations to determine the cause of what has happened and why use the incident as an alibi to declare a State of Emergency.

    “Many Nigerian states, particularly in the North East, North West and North Central geopolitical zones live with daily assaults on their very existence.
    Yet, no state of emergency has been declared!

    Read full communique below:

    “In the wake of the shocking declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State and the suspension from office of the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor and the House of Assembly which occurred Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and now generally condemned by most Nigerians, the Board of Trustees and expanded National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) held an emergency meeting to review the development and take decisions.

    2. After exhaustive deliberations, PANDEF wishes to note as follows, that;

    i”The said actions taken by the President have sadly occurred barely one week after he received a high level South-South delegation of top traditional rulers, former Governors, former Service Chiefs, former Ministers, former Senators, etc, numbering over 100 eminent Nigerian personalities.

    “At that occasion, the President appreciated the peace efforts of PANDEF Peace and Reconciliation Committee headed by Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and encouraged them to continue with the reconciliation activities and report progress back to him.

    ” The President also charged PANDEF Peace Committee to encourage the Governor to comply with the now heavily flawed Supreme Court Judgement to present the 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly.

    ” On 12th March, 2025, less than 24 hours after the visit to the President, his appointee, the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is one of the main architects of the crisis in the state, during a media chat, used the most uncomplimentary and derogatory remarks against PANDEF, and the revered leaders of the Niger Delta whom Mr. President had honoured as his guests at the State House.

    ” We noted with regret that till date, despite public outcry over that unwholesome attitude, there has been no caution on the said Minister to the knowledge of the Nigerian public.

    ” On 13th March, 2025, the Governor wrote to the State House of Assembly intimating them of his willingness, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgement and the directive of Mr. President to present his 2025 Budget to the Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025. The following day, 14th March, 2025, the House of Assembly announced that they were proceeding on an indefinite adjournment. It is curious that while on this adjournment, the House started impeachment proceedings against the Governor and his Deputy by issuing Notice of Gross Misconduct.

    ” On 17th March 2025, PANDEF wrote to Mr. President to express its frustration over the non-cooperative attitude of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the House of Assembly in rebuffing all efforts by the Governor to present the 2025 budget in line with the Supreme Court judgement and Presidential directives.

    “It was quite alarming that on 18th March, 2025, the day before the Governor was due to present the budget, the President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, thereby unilaterally removing the Governor, his Deputy and the entire House of Assembly.

    ” This declaration of state of emergency totally negates the avowed positions of President Tinubu, as was widely publicised during his interventions in May 2013 when former President Goodluck Jonathan declared state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa at the height of Boko Haram insurgency even without removing Governors.

    “At the time, President Tinubu, among other things described that decision as an “unmistakable conclusion of the existing ……. to muzzle elected governments of these states of what is clearly a display of unparalleled and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2015”.

    “Although reference has been made to the blow up of a pipeline which PANDEF condemns, the question is if this is the first time such occurrences had happened in Nigeria and even in the life span of the present administration. So, why militarise Rivers State, even before security forces have carried out investigations to determine the cause of what has happened and why use the incident as an alibi to declare a State of Emergency.

    ” Many Nigerian states, particularly in the North East, North West and North Central geopolitical zones live with daily assaults on their very existence. Yet, no state of emergency has been declared!

    ” Additionally, why declare a state of emergency when the Court of Appeal has just reserved its ruling on the fate of the 27 members of the House of Assembly which was pending before it and was not sufficiently concluded by the Supreme Court judgement and just few days when a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt commenced hearing on same matter.

    3. Arising from the above, the BOT/NEC of PANDEF unanimously:

    ” Calls on the National Assembly led by the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Right Honourable Tajudeen Abbas and the entire members to show courage and be on the side of the truth by rejecting in its entirety this onslaught on democratic governance which has never been exercised with such brazenness.

    ” PANDEF as a respectable body of very senior and eminent citizens of this country representing the interest of the people of the South-South will continue to sue for peace and work with all sides and the Federal Government towards its attainment in Rivers State and the entire South-South zone.

    “PANDEF will continue to follow developments and take any other constitutional remedies open to it.

    Done in Abuja,
    19th March, 2025

    HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR,
    Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, ,
    Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees
    Board of Trustees

    His Excellency, Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah,
    Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees

    Amb. (Dr.) Godknows B. Igali, OON
    National Chairman

    Chief (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PhD
    National Spokesman

  • PANDEF addresses challenging issues in Niger Delta, Rivers crisis, SSDC, others

    PANDEF addresses challenging issues in Niger Delta, Rivers crisis, SSDC, others

    Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador, Godknows Igali has addressed some major issues engulfing the Niger Delta as geo-political zone of the Nigerian federation.

    Igali raised these issues in a press conference at the weekend after a visit to President Bola Tinubu.

    Key among the issues include: peace in Rivers State and PANDEF’s ongoing mediatory efforts, the need for Presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, passed by the National Assembly, to ensure the region’s equitable development.

    Other are “Urgent infrastructure development, particularly road networks and the optimal utilization and expansion of existing and new ports.

    “Resolution of socio-economic challenges affecting victims of the Bakassi crisis.

    ” Strategies to enhance oil production and promote greater inclusion of South-South indigenes in the governance of the oil and gas sector.

    “The necessity of a systematic environmental cleanup in oil-producing states and continued advocacy for true federalism and restructuring.

    Igali further explained that: “Ordinarily, this press conference would have been dedicated solely to expressing PANDEF’s appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously receiving the high-level South-South delegation at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

    ” However, we find it necessary to address a deeply concerning and regrettable development that has arisen in the aftermath of this visit—namely, the media chat conducted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

    PANDEF’s Expectations from the Engagement with Mr President

    “PANDEF and the people of the South-South expect that these issues, which Mr. President acknowledged with assurances of follow-up action, will be diligently pursued, leading to tangible progress in the near future.

    “Regarding the situation in Rivers State, PANDEF fully embraced Mr. President’s directive to the organization to sustain its ongoing mediatory and reconciliation efforts—an initiative he commended, recognizing the caliber of individuals involved.

    “Since that meeting, PANDEF has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, fostering dialogue to achieve an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in Rivers State.

    Disparaging Comments by the Honourable Minister

    “It is, therefore, both shocking and unfortunate that, barely 24 hours after this significant engagement with Mr. President—an engagement that rekindled hope for peace and stability— the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, held a media chat in which he launched an unwarranted and deeply inappropriate attack on PANDEF and its leadership.

    “In his remarks, the Honourable Minister characterized PANDEF as “the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.

    “Even more concerning was his disparaging remarks directed at revered South-South leaders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark, a national icon and former PANDEF leader, whose legacy was duly recognized by Mr. President during our visit, with a minute of silence observed in his honor.

    ” Equally unacceptable was the crude and disrespectful attack on another national treasure His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and current Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees.

    PANDEF’s Stance

    “To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities.

    “The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six South-South states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.

    “It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing.

    “This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.

    The Efforts of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis, comprises distinguished statesmen, including:

    – Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
    – Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State.
    – H.E. Admiral Jonah John, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
    – Chief Mrs. Stella Omu, Engr. Emmanuel Ibok-Essien and Sen. Roland Owie, all three at different times former Chief Whips of the Senate.
    – Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu, former leader in the House of Representatives.

    “While the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has demonstrated willingness to engage with this committee, the Honourable Minister has consistently rebuffed all attempts to reach him opening up at dialogue.

    “Given his open hostility and dismissive attitude toward PANDEF, the organization can no longer subject these esteemed senior Nigerians on peace mission to such levels of disregard and disrespect.

    Appeal to Mr. President

    “PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.

    “Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta.

    “We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.

  • Family of late Chief Edwin Clark reveals his last words

    Family of late Chief Edwin Clark reveals his last words

    The family of Chief Edwin Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), who passed away at the age of 97 on Monday night, has shared his final words before his death.

    TheNewsGuru reports that this came as top Nigerian leaders, both past and present mourned the passing of the nationalist.

    According to Vanguard, Clark, who was admitted at DIFF Medical Centre, Abuja, died about 11.45p.m., on Monday, ahead of his 98th birthday that would have been May 25, 2025.

    Speaking, the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Godknows Igali and the first child of the elder statesman, Mrs. Rebecca Clark-Okorodudu, said the late Ijaw leader affirmed his love for his country.

    “I AM a Nigerian, I love Nigeria, Nigeria is my country, I am proud to be a Nigerian,” the family revealed those as part of Clark’s last words.

    According to them, “Chief Clark said in his last hours that the people must not have a ‘giving up spirit,’ assuring that they would surely succeed in making Nigeria a better society again”.

    They further added that, those he was leaving behind, especially members of PANDEF and SMBLF, must continue with the struggle, and should not rest on their oars in the fight for restructuring.

    Before his death, the South South leader also warned that no one should mourn when he departs the world, but said there should be celebration all round.

    He also advised that anyone who came to his house during the period should be fed.

    These were what he told those around him last Friday before he could no longer speak and was rushed to the hospital where he was admitted when his condition became critical.

  • PANDEF asks Tinubu to sign South-South commission bill into law

    PANDEF asks Tinubu to sign South-South commission bill into law

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to sign into an Act, the bill for the South-South Development Commission.

    PANDEF, the apex socio-political body of the South-South geo-political zone, made the call in a communiqué at the end of an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT), held in Abuja on Monday.

    National spokesman of PANDEF, Obiuwevbi Ominimini read the communiqué on behalf of the National Chairman, Dr Godknows Igali.

    The communique reads, “The bill, after passage by the National Assembly was submitted at the same time as other geo-political zone’s commissions bill to the President, but ours is yet to be assented to.

    “We subscribe to the desirability of having a Development Commission for all the six geo-political zones of the country without exception.

    “And therefore, views the withholding of assent as a grave oversight or error, capable of creating a feeling of exclusion and dejection on the part of the people of the South-South.

    “The delay in assenting to this bill leaves the South-South zone orphaned within the broader context of regional development commissions which include the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), South-West Development Commission (SEDC) and North-Central Development Commission (NCDC),’’ he said.

    The group further said that the delay in signing of this bill could have a negative impact on the present state of peace which exists in the Niger Delta.

    “PANDEF BOT therefore, calls on the President to remedy the oversight which has resulted in the delay to assent to this bill and sign it into an Act without delay.

    “The bill for the creation of South-South Development Commission is different from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    “The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was established by law in 2000 to mitigate issues affecting the oil mineral producing communities.

    “Hence, the NDDC has its own specific funding formula and modus operandi.

    “The meeting therefore, strongly recommended that the name, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which could become a misnomer, should revert to its earlier designation as Oil Mineral Production Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC).

    “This will distinguish it and prevent any confusion between it and the newly created South-South Development Commissions”.

  • Farewell to songs of wahala – By G. G. Darah

    Farewell to songs of wahala – By G. G. Darah

    By Prof. G. G. Darah

    Dear Pandefites, Why do we always highlight news about “Wahala dey Naija” on our platforms? Is there any important country in the world without “wahala” (troubles)? Is it USA or Russia or Ukraine or UK or China or Israel or Gaza or Equatorial Guinea?

    Whilst we “celebrate” the occurrence of “wahala dey Naija” we forget that oil and gas from Nigeria power the industrial stability and prosperity of many mighty nations we wrongly believe are “wahala-free”.

    I fear that this midset conditions us to assume that Nigeria is a country bound to insecurity and turbulence. Yet ours is a nation of 389 ethnic groups speaking about 500 languages. With such a diversity and plurality of peoples and tongues, do we expect to live in a trouble-free utopia like a grave yard?

    Please, let us also see the alternative exit points, the bright light of creative diversity and limitless opportunities. In Pandef, let’s sometimes change the songs of sorrow into audacious and boastful credos to the world thus: WITHOUT OUR OIL WEALTH, SOME OF YOUR ECONOMIES WILL PERISH IN COMBUSTIVE “WAHALAISM”.

  • PANDEF raises concerns over removal of Arase PSC Chairman

    PANDEF raises concerns over removal of Arase PSC Chairman

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has raised concerns over the removal of former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase from his position as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports PANDEF, the apex socio-cultural body of the Niger Delta people, is led by the South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

    PANDEF, while raising concerns over the removal of Arase from his position as Chairman of the PSC, noted that the singular act further portrays the administration of President Bola Tinubu as one that does not prioritize competence, integrity, and efficiency; sacrificing merit on the altar of favoritism.

    The group described the removal of Arase as PSC Chairman as unwarranted, and an unnecessary provocation that reflects negatively on President Tinubu’s administration, indicating a lack of regard for the nation’s law.

    According to PANDEF in a statement yesterday by its National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, when the President dissolved the memberships of boards and agencies of the federal government in 2023, shortly after assuming office, the leadership of the Police Service Commission remained untouched, presumably due to its statutory position. What has changed now?

    PANDEF said, “It is pertinent to implore that political considerations mustn’t be entertained in appointments to sensitive institutions such as the Police Service Commission.

    “Mr. President should likewise note that the continued disregard for the constitution and the rule of law by the government not only mirrors negatively on law enforcement officers, the military, and political leaders but also sends a dangerous message to citizens, posing a threat to Nigeria’s stability.”

    The statement read, “We, hereby, express profound disappointment, and denounce the unjust manner in which Dr. Solomon Arase, a former Inspector General of Police, was relieved of his duties as Chairman of the Police Service Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, 10th June 2024.

    “PANDEF views Arase’s removal as unwarranted, and an unnecessary provocation that reflects negatively on Tinubu’s administration, indicating a lack of regard for the nation’s laws that Mr. President swore to uphold and protect.

    “This singular act further portrays this administration as one that does not prioritize competence, integrity, and efficiency; sacrificing merit on the altar of favoritism.

    “The question arises as to why any serious government would dismiss a personality like Solomon Arase, who had initiated positive reforms and improvements at the Commission, and given his meritorious track record as a diligent police officer, who rose through the ranks to become the 18th Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force, and retired with dignity.

    “Solomon Arase, a former Inspector General and a native of Edo State in the South-South region of Nigeria, was appointed as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Solomon Arase’s tenure as Chairman of the Police Service Commission lasted only about 16 months of the four-year term.

    “According to Section 3, subsection (1)a of the Police Service Commission Act 2002, subject to the provisions of Section 4 of the Act, a member of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall each hold office for a term of four years and no more.

    “The Act also details the conditions for removal from office in Sections 4 as cited below: (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 3 of this Act, a person shall cease to hold office as member of the Commission if:

    (a) He becomes bankrupt, suspends payment or compounds with his creditors; or (b) he is convicted of a felony or any offence involving dishonesty of fraud; or (c) he becomes of unsound mind, or is incapable of carrying out his duties; or (d) He is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his duties; or

    (e) In the case of a person possessed of professional qualifications, he is disqualified or suspended, other than at his own request, from practicing his profession in any part of the world by an order of a competent authority made in respect of that member.

    “(2) A member of the Commission may be removed by the President if he is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the Commission or the interest of the public that the member should continue in office.

    “5 (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4 of this Act, the Chairman and any other member, may at any time be removed from that office by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause of misconduct).

    “The pivotal question remains, “What warranted Solomon Arase’s removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?”

    PANDEF urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tell Nigerians, and the world, at large, the reason or reasons for Arase’s removal. We stand against injustice, oppression, and likewise, misconduct.

    “PANDEF notes that when the President dissolved the memberships of boards and agencies of the federal government in 2023, shortly after assuming office, the leadership of the Police Service Commission remained untouched, presumably due to its statutory position. What has changed now?

    “It is important to recall that when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, he retained Sir Mike Okiro as Chairman of the Police Service Commission until the end of Okiro’s tenure, appointing Musiliu Smith, also a former IGP, in May 2018 to succeed Okiro.

    “Sir Mike Okiro, the 13th Inspector General of Police from 2007 to 2009, was appointed as Chairman of the Police Service Commission in May 2013 by Buhari’s predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “Mr. President should recognize that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, and any attempt to marginalize the people of the Niger Delta region and the South-South Geopolitical zones will not be taken lightly.

    “We have been inundated with disturbing reports of discrimination against our people in the last few months, particularly regarding the mass layoffs at the Central Bank of Nigeria, disproportionately affecting staff from the southern regions, especially the South-South and South East zones.

    “We refrained from commenting on recent challenges to allow the Tinubu administration address them, but it appears the administration has opted to sustain the discriminatory practices against the people of the South-South Geopolitical zone.

    “Suffice to remind that the sacrifices and contributions of the South-South zone to the unity and sustenance of Nigeria are unparalleled.

    “We are not unaware of the conflict between the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force since 2020, majorly due to issues bordering on recruitment into the constables cadre of the Police Force.

    “During Sir Mike Okiro’s tenure as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, there was a disagreement with the Inspector General of Police over the recruitment of constables. While the then Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, wanted the recruitment to be carried out on the basis of Local Government Areas, the Commission’s Chairman, Sir Mike Okiro, insisted it should be on the basis of equality of states.

    “The unfair implication of the recruitment on LGA basis being, for instance, if ten persons were to be recruited from each local government area of the country, Kano State would have 440 recruits whereas Bayelsa State would have 80; the entire South-South zone would have 125 recruits while Kano and Jigawa States alone would have 71. It was this imbalance that prompted Sir Mike Okiro’s insistence.

    “Regrettably, then President Muhammadu Buhari, for obvious reasons, supported the position of the Inspector General of Police.

    “The avoidable dispute over who has powers on recruitment to the police persisted through the tenure of Musiliu Smith, Okiro’s successor, leading to a national embarrassment in August 2022, when the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force urged Nigerians to ignore a publication by the Police Service Commission on police recruitment.

    “The provision of the Constitution on the subject is unambiguous. Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that the Police Service Commission, “Shall be responsible for the appointment and promotion of persons to offices (other than the office of the Inspector-General of Police) in the Nigeria Police Force; dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons (other than the IG) and formulate policies and guidelines for the appointment, promotion, discipline and dismissal of officers of the Nigeria Police Force.”

    “Unfortunately, Section 18(1) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which was assented to by then President Muhammadu Buhari, states that: “The responsibility for the recruitment of recruit constables into the Nigeria Police Force and recruit cadets into the Nigeria Police Academy shall be the duty of the Inspector-General of Police.

    “This unnecessary duplication made both the police and the commission to lay claims to their powers to conduct recruitment for the police. Worryingly, the presidency was unable to resolve the contradiction.

    “Subsequently, the commission filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja and the matter dragged on to the Supreme Court, which eventually gave judgment in July 2023, and affirmed the Police Service Commission’s mandate to recruit constables for the Nigerian Police.

    “With the Supreme Court ruling on the matter, it was expected that the Police Service Commission and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force would bury the hatchet, and collaborate to ensure effective policing across Nigeria. Sadly, that appears not to be the case. A stitch in time saves nine! “

    Recall that when former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Arase in January 2023, and PANDEF had hailed Buhari over the appointment.

    In a statement then by PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Ken Robinson, it said that it was particularly happy and impressed that President Buhari in this instance, recognized and rewarded competence, patriotism, and love for the nation which are the virtues that the former Inspector-General of Police boldly upholds and bespeaks.

  • Ministerial appointments: Niger Delta not adequately represented – PANDEF tells Tinubu

    Ministerial appointments: Niger Delta not adequately represented – PANDEF tells Tinubu

    …condemns lopsided appointments in NNPCL in favour of a section of the country

    Leaders of South South region under the aegis of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF on Wednesday declared that the region has not been adequately represented in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a communique issued at the end of a confab held in Abuja.

    The communique jointly signed by its frontline leaders, Chief EK Clark and Senator Emmanuel Essien Ibok without mincing words declared that:

    “The fact that the Niger Delta region remains largely under-represented in the appointments made so far, and calls on Mr. President to reverse the trend.

    ” Implores the political class of the South-South Geopolitical Zone, including the Governors, Members of the National Assembly, Ministers, and Heads of MDAs, to work together, irrespective of their political disparities, in the overall interest of the Region;

    “Reminds the Governors of the Niger Delta of the need to resuscitate the activities of BRACED Commission, which has become inactive in the last few years;
    “Salutes the efforts of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, General Barry Ndiomu (rtd) in stabilising of the Niger Delta region

    ” Expresses satisfaction with the recent appointment of a new Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC by President Tinubu administration.

    “Urges the new Board and Management of the NDDC to adopt comprehensive approaches in their management of these agencies, for better performance, and to fast-track the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta Region;

    “Deplores the current “invasion” of the NDDC, Presidential Amnesty Programme and other Niger Delta-related agencies by government officials and persons from other parts of the country.

    Read full communique below:

    The meeting was chaired by the National Leader, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, OFR, CON, and in attendance were the PANDEF National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, Members of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, National and State Officers, as well as former National and State Legislators, Governors, Ministers, and other critical Stakeholders, including, Hon. Nduese Essien, former Minister of Lands & Housing, Amb. Dr. Godknows Igali, Senator Musa Adede, Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange, Senator Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, Rt. Hon. Dr. Cairo Ojoubgoh, Solomon Asemota SAN, Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu, Hon. Olivia Agbajoh, Obongawan Grace Ekong, HRM King Dr. Suanu T.Y. Baridam JP, Hon. Egho Ogene, Hon. Bassey Ekefre, Hon. Bernard Mikko, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Uduak Umoh, Prince Okareme Maikpobi, HRH Diepreye Amadein, Chief Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, Chief Barr. Obo Osaro, Hon. Ottos Akuephel, Dr. Ken Robinson, among others.

    3. The meeting extensively deliberated on the State of the Nation, Socio-Political issues concerning the Niger Delta region, and other related matters.

    4. Rising therefrom, the meeting resolved as follows:

    ON THE STATE OF THE NATION

    i. The meeting restates its faith in a stable, united, and peaceful Nigeria, situated on the fundamental principles of equity, fairness, and justice; through a holistic Restructuring of the country;

    ii. Acknowledges some of the positive steps that have been taken by the Tinubu administration, but insists that a lot more needs to be done, urgently, to ease the harsh economic burdens on ordinary citizens of the country;

    iii. Notes the appointment of some sons and daughters of the Niger Delta to statutory positions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu;

    iv. However, decries the fact that the Niger Delta region remains largely under-represented in the appointments made so far, and calls on Mr. President to reverse the trend;

    v. Implores the political class of the South-South Geopolitical Zone, including the Governors, Members of the National Assembly, Ministers, and Heads of MDAs, to work together, irrespective of their political disparities, in the overall interest of the Region;

    Reminds the Governors of the Niger Delta of the need to resuscitate the activities of BRACED Commission, which has become inactive in the last few years;

    vi. Salutes the efforts of the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, General Barry Ndiomu (rtd) in stabilising of the Niger Delta region;

    vii. Expresses satisfaction with the recent appointment of a new Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC by President Tinubu administration;

    viii. Urges the new Board and Management of the NDDC to adopt comprehensive approaches in their management of these agencies, for better performance, and to fast-track the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta Region;

    ix. Deplores the current “invasion” of the NDDC, Presidential Amnesty Programme and other Niger Delta-related agencies by government officials and persons from other parts of the country;

    x. Re-echoes call for the amendment of relevant sections of the NDDC Establishment Act 2000, to extricate the three non-South South States (Abia, Imo, and Ondo) that were integrated on political grounds, from the Commission;

    xi. Further condemns the continued gross “annexation” of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, where all top strategic management positions are occupied by persons from the north, while Niger Delta indigenes are marginalized and circumscribed to peripheral standings, in both the management and operations of the industry;

    xii. Cites the recent humongous Pipeline Maintenance Contracts awarded by NNPC Ltd., to the exclusion of qualified firms from the Niger Delta as a typical example.

    xiii. Calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to guarantee the appointment of someone from any of the six South-South States as the next Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd; that anything short of that would be a great disservice to the Niger Delta people;

    xiv. Given that the Federal Government is developing policies to legalize illegal mining of solid minerals, the Meeting calls on the Federal Government to consider supporting and encouraging artisanal refineries, and stop the unnecessary criminalization, to provide gainful employment to the teeming youths of the region and country.

    xv. Regrets the poor management of the 3% Host Communities Development Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and calls for its full implementation.

    ON STATE OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE REGION

    i. Again, raises high alarm over the deplorable state of infrastructure across the entire Niger Delta despite the fact that the region continues to bear the brunt of producing the wealth of the nation;

    ii. Demands immediate reconstruction works on several failed sections of the East-West Road; Eleme-Onne, Ahoada- Mbiama-Kaiama, Benin-Sapale-Warri Road, Delta-Bayelsa, Benin-Agbor Road, Calabar-Itu Road, Port Harcourt – Aba Road, Ikot Ekpene-Aba Road, Benin-Auchi road, Calabar Obudu, etcetera.

    iii. Demands the extension of the Warri-Itakpe Railway to Abuja, and the expedition of work on the Port Harcourt – Enugu – Maiduguri Rail line, to lessen the transportation difficulties and risks our people are presently facing;

    iv. Calls on Mr. President to work towards the revival of the various ports in the Niger Delta including Port Harcourt, Warri, Onne, Calabar, Koko, and Sapele.

    6. Once more calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to revisit the 2014 National Conference Report, which provides a good working document for a new Nigeria, founded on equity, justice and fair play.

    7. The meeting expressed appreciation to its National Leader, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark for his continued guidance and congratulates him on the momentous success of the launch of his autobiography, “Brutally Frank”, in Abuja on 17thAugust 2023.

    8. Issued and Adopted at the end of the extraordinary Meeting in Abuja, this 25th Day of October 2023.

    Signed:

    Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, OFR, CON
    National Leader

    Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE
    National Chairman

  • Clark asks Tinubu to remove Abia, Imo, Ondo from NDDC

    Clark asks Tinubu to remove Abia, Imo, Ondo from NDDC

    Chief Edwin Clark, the Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to move for the amendment of the 2000 Act establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    This, he said was to remove Non-Niger Delta Oil Producing States of Abia, Imo and Ondo from the nine States that make up the NDDC.

    The nine States are Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

    The elder statesman made the call at a news conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.

    According to Clark, in the first instance, the inclusion of the three states in the commission was a political aberration.

    He said: “If NDDC is to succeed, the three states should be severed from the act.

    “NDDC should remain the six original Niger Delta Coastal States. All other oil producing states should establish a relationship with the oil companies and Nigeria.

    “This is particularly now that oil has been found in other parts of Nigeria including Anambra which is already producing 0.9%, Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Lagos States.

    “They cannot therefore be part of NDDC.

    “The NDDC Establishment Act 2000 signed by the then Senate President Chuba Okadigbo outlined the functions of the nine states and who should be the Executive Management.

    “One should bear in mind that the addition of Ondo, Imo and Abia was a political aberration.

    “For me to demand for the removal of Non-Niger Delta Oil Producing States from NDDC is for NDDC to succeed.

    “The success of the NDDC is the success of Nigeria.

    “There was a reason why Imo, Abia and Ondo were brought into NDDC. Geographically they are not niger delta; they are not  coastal states. It was a political aberration.

    “The Federal Government should make arrangements to accommodate them as it is in NDCC same principle to be used not to disorganised the NDDC we want to succeed.”

    He likened the NDDC to a liability company which also has majority shareholders and minority shareholders.

    “A situation where a minority shareholder in a limited liability company would like to be a managing director of the company, it is unreasonable, improper and chaotic.
    “That is the main reason why I said no.

    “It is not possible for a minority shareholder of even 5 per cent to be the Chairman or Managing Director of the limited liability company.

    “It will be unfair and inequitable for a state that produces 1.02 per cent to produce managing director of the NDDC.

    “I know Nigeria as we are, the tendency will be to develop their own minority oil producing state to develop their area at the expense of the majority of oil producing states which incidentally happen to sum up to over 90 per cent of the oil.

    “It is therefore, unreasonable, provocative and selfish for Imo which produces only 1.02 per cent quantum of oil to demand removal of the Chief Executives of NDDC Board that has been confirmed by the Senate.”

  • PANDEF to meet over national, regional challenges

    PANDEF to meet over national, regional challenges

    Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF) is set to meet to deliberate over the state of the nation and recent socio-political developments in the Niger Delta region.

    Dr. Ken Robinson, National Publicity Secretary, PANDEF, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Robinson said that the forum would also deliberate particularly on the extant situation of federal agencies with direct bearing on the Niger Delta, road infrastructure, and other related matters.

    He said: “PANDEF, the apex socio-cultural body of the Niger Delta people, will hold an expanded National Executive Committee Meeting, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, 28th July 28.

    “The meeting, which will be presided over by the National Chairman, Sen. Emmanuel Essien, will deliberate on the state of the nation; recent
    socio-political developments in the region, and the country.

    “The Uyo gathering will also initiate steps to strengthen its structures, for greater service delivery.”

    Robinson said that the forum’s Board of Trustees, National and State Executive Committees, and critical stakeholders from the coastal States of the region have been invited to attend the meeting.

    Meanwhile, PANDEF said it remained strongly committed to the promotion of peace, unity, and sustainable development, not only in the region, but in the entire country.