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Tag: pandef

  • Buhari’s decision to sign PIB into law despite outcry shows his disregard for Niger Delta people – PANDEF

    Buhari’s decision to sign PIB into law despite outcry shows his disregard for Niger Delta people – PANDEF

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has said that Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has demonstrated no regard for the people of the Niger Delta by signing the 2021 Petroleum Industry Bill into law.

    In a statement by its Spokesperson Ken Robinson on Monday, PANDEF said that it was unfortunate that Buhari neglected the agitations of the region regarding the bill, preferring rather to endorse the recommendations of the National Assembly.

    He said the people of the Niger Delta had been the ones bearing the risks of oil exploration on their communities and means of livelihood.

    “It clearly shows the disregard for the feelings and concerns of the Niger Delta people by the Buhari administration,” the group said.

    “It is very unfortunate that in spite of the outcry and the condemnation that greeted the paltry 3 per cent provided for the development of the host communities and the outrageous 30 per cent of the NNPC limited profit allocated for the exploration of oil in the frontiers, Mr President has gone ahead to endorse the bill into law.

    “It is a reality that this country does not care about the feelings and hopes and aspirations of the Niger Delta people while we continue to suffer the neglect and degradation and the decimation of our environment and our ecosystem.

    “The livelihood of our children has been devasted and we suffer the consequences of this industry operating in our environment with an insensitive government that its agencies are not enforcing the faulty laws to protect the environment from the operations of the industry.”

    PANDEF insisted that the equity share must be 10 per cent for host communities and rejected the 3 per cent allocated for hos communities in the just signed Petroleum’s I Industry Act.

  • PANDEF restates position on restructuring, condemns raid on Sunday Igboho’s house

    PANDEF restates position on restructuring, condemns raid on Sunday Igboho’s house

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the bloody midnight raid on the residence of a Yoruba Rights Activist, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, in Ibadan, Oyo State, by agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) during which innocent citizens were killed and properties destroyed.

    PANDEF in a communique issued at the end of its meeting on Friday, by its National Leader and former Federal Minister of information, Pa Edwin Clark said they are in solidarity with Afenifere, and the South-West people, on this matter.

    The Forum called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call to order the security agencies and cease all forms of flagrant abuse of power.

    PANDEF which hopes that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu will be given a fair and open trial, requested that the Federal government should tell Nigerians the truth of the process which led to the abduction, and his clandestine, forceful repatriation to Nigeria.

    The group also warns that the reported identification of sponsors of Nnamdi Kanu, should not be an alibi to witch-hunt and persecute phantom enemies imagined by the government.

    The communique reads, “PANDEF Stands, firmly, in solidarity with the people of the Middle Belt Region, in the face of brutal physical attacks and seeming plans to destroy their every means of livelihood, by suspected Fulani gunmen. Restates its position on the Restructuring of the Country, and insists that Nigeria cannot continue in the present trajectory of a flawed Constitution and undemocratic tendencies of those operating it.

    “Further decries the continued neglect, even outright abandonment, of critical infrastructural projects in the Niger Delta Region, by the Federal Government, such as the East-West Road; the Gas Revolution Industrial Park, Ogidigben and the Omadinor-Escravos Road projects both in Delta State; the Calabar – Ikot Ekpene Road; amongst several others.

    “Strongly condemns the unending span of an Interim Management for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the detriment of the Region. Warns that the situation threatens the peace and stability of the Region, and therefore, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute the Board and Management of the NDDC, in line with the Act establishing the Commission, without any further delay. Maintains its resolve to engage with all critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta Region, irrespective of political inclinations, in its efforts to foster unity, lasting peace, security and sustainable development of the Region, for the benefit of the present and future generations.”

  • PANDEF seeks investigation into attacks on police formations

    PANDEF seeks investigation into attacks on police formations

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for a thorough investigation into the series of attacks on police formations and personnel in the country.

    The call was contained in a communique jointly signed by its National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark and its Chairman, Sen. Emmanuel Essien, issued after its General Assembly and made available to journalists on Tuesday, in Warri.

    The communiqué condemned the spate of attacks on Police formations and personnel in some states in the South South and South East and urged those behind the awful actions to stop forthwith, while urging a thorough and unbiased investigation to determine those behind the attacks.

    “PANDEF condemns the spate of attacks on Police formations and personnel in some states in the South South and South East regions, the communique said, stressing that the Federal Government should to adopt a “special security measure” particularly in the two regions.

    “The Federal Government should provide a special security measure in the South South and South East regions. It should shun predilections in tackling the security challenges across the country,” the group said.

    The communiqué also called on the National Assembly to accelerate the amendment of the Electoral Act, with the inclusion of provisions for electronic voting before the 2023 general elections as these would guarantee free, fair and credible elections.

    It decried the abandonment of critical infrastructure projects in the Niger Delta Region.

    The communique also called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to promptly constitute the board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, in line with the Act establishing it.

  • PANDEF hails Southern Governors decisions on restructuring, insecurity

    PANDEF hails Southern Governors decisions on restructuring, insecurity

    Members of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have applauded the resolutions of Southern Governors on restructuring, state of insecurity, open grazing and others.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that a meeting of Governors of the 17 states of the Southern region was held in Asaba Delta State on Tuesday to review the current state of the Nation especially as it concerns the spiking state of insecurity, activities of herdsmen/ open grazing, the 1999 constitution, Federal appointments, among other issues, and critical decisions were taken.

    Thirteen of the Governors were present in the meeting; two states were represented by their Deputy Governors, while two others were conspicuously absent.

    PANDEF in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers state Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Robinson praised the decisions of the Governors, describing it as far reaching.

    The group also commended the agreement by the Leaders to meet to discuss these boiling issues that are seriously threatening the unity of the nation, noting that the gathering was fruitful and met PANDEF’s expectations.

    Robinson in the statement said, “PANDEF applauds the meeting of 17 southern governors, decisions on restructuring, insecurity, skewed federal appointments, open grazing among others.

    “With the things going on in the country, we had expected them to meet before now but it is a good thing that they have met. It is a welcomed development.

    “This would not only foster cooperation among the governors and people of the southern states but also strengthen the nation’s democracy.

    “We have also seen the communique that they issued. It is very commendable.

    “Their resolutions reemphasized our positions, particularly, on restructuring; open grazing, and the alarming state of insecurity.”

  • PANDEF condemns attacks on Police formations

    PANDEF condemns attacks on Police formations

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on the attackers of police personnel and facilities in the country to stop their criminal activities.

    PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary Ken Robinson gave the advice in a statement he issued on Friday in Warri, Delta.

    Robinson urged the alleged perpetrators to seek lawful and acceptable ways to vent whatever grievances they might have against the police.

    He noted that there could be some bad eggs in the police force and called on the authorities to redouble their efforts to sanitise the organisation.

    “PANDEF strongly condemned the reported attacks on police stations in parts of the country.

    ‘“The said attacks on police stations and personnel for whatever reasons are barbaric and should not be condoned in a civilised society.

    “We, therefore, urged the police authorities to weed out unpatriotic officers and restore the dwindling primacy of the force within the internal security architecture of the country,” he added.

    Robinson advised the security personnel to be professional in their conduct.

  • Ebok-Essien is PANDEF new National Chairman

    Ebok-Essien is PANDEF new National Chairman

    Few months after the death of its former national chairman, foremost Niger Delta group, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has announced the emergence of a successor.

    The new national chairman is Mr Emmanuel Ebok-Essien, a former member of the Nigerian Senate.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Ebok-Essien succeeds the former Military Administrator (MILAD) of Akwa Ibom State, Idongesit Nkanga, who died of COVID-19 complications last year.

    His ratification and approval of the nomination of other national officials were contained in a communiqué signed by the national leader of PANDEF, Mr Edwin Clark, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Obong Victor Attah, after a meeting of the board of trustees (BoT) on Wednesday, in Abuja.

    The new PANDEF chairman represented Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the National Assembly between 1999 and 2003. He was once the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.

    The new PANDEF leader was also one of the strong advocates for resource control and a strong supporter of the fight against the obnoxious onshore/offshore dichotomy in the distribution of the nation’s oil revenue.

    He is the first Akwa Ibom legislator to be elected into the ECOWAS Parliament and is expected to deploy his verse knowledge acquired, over the years, to move the regional group, South-South, Niger Delta and the country forward.

    The BoT also approved the nominations and elections of former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Victor Attah, as co-chairmen of PANDEF BoT.

    Also, Mr T. K Okorotie from Bayelsa State was confirmed as Deputy National Chairman, Mr Bello Bina was chosen as the National Youth Leader, Mr Whiskey Ayakeme is the National Director of Research, while Mr Kalaiti Jephthah is an ex-officio member, national NEC.

  • I’m not dead – Chief Edwin Clark

    I’m not dead – Chief Edwin Clark

    The National Leader and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark has said that he alive, hale and hearty.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chief Clark made this known on Sunday morning, after being inundated with anxious calls from within and outside the country.

    He thanked those who have shown sincere concerns about him, especially in the last 3-4 weeks.

    In a statement signed and released by Ken Robinson, the National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, Clark has recovered from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and is doing well.

    The statement reads: “Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, was inundated with anxious calls, all evening of February 13, 2020, inquiring about the state of health of its National Leader and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.

    “The anxiety of the inquirers has necessitated this release.

    “PANDEF wishes to state, assuredly, that Chief E. K. Clark is his normal healthy and ebullient self.

    “The information making the rounds on some social media platforms is a concocted, malicious falsehood, ostensibly intended to cause confusion within the Chief’s teeming, multi-dimensional constituencies.

    “PANDEF urges all friends and associates of the South-South Leader, and, indeed, the entire Nigerian public, and the Global Community, to disregard the ugly rumour. Chief Clark is alive, hale and hearty.

    “What is true, is that our Leader, soon to be ninety-four years old, did test positive for COVID-19, but had since been confirmed negative by health officials, after 14 days of isolation in his Asokoro, Abuja, residence.

    “The good Chief, reacting to the perplexing story, last night, expresses his appreciation for the kindness of those calling from good hearts.

    “He uses this instance to also thank all those, within and outside the country, who had been calling, in the last 3-4 weeks, upon hearing of the outcome of his COVID-19 test and yearns all to join him in thanking GOD for his dramatic deliverance from the scourge.

    “PANDEF, itself, gives glory to God, for graciously blessing our leader with salubrious longevity, to continue to bestow his God-given wisdom and leadership acuity, still very much needed, not only in the Niger-Delta Region, or the Southern-Middle Belt Alliance, but also, the entire Country, Nigeria.

    “On an important footnote, PANDEF strongly implores operators and sponsors of online communication platforms, to maintain the highest professional standards, in their practice and endeavours, by authenticating their stories before hastening to publish, to avoid creating this kind of unwholesome and disconcerting situation”.

  • PANDEF congratulates new Service Chiefs, lauds Buhari over appointment

    PANDEF congratulates new Service Chiefs, lauds Buhari over appointment

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the appointment of new service chiefs.

    PANDEF gave the commendation in a statement on Tuesday through its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Robinson, in Warri.

    The forum, however, expressed hope that the new service chiefs would discharge their duties professionally and in the best interest of the country.

    “Though the removal of the erstwhile service chiefs was long overdue, we commend President Buhari for finally responding to calls by well-meaning Nigerians.

    “We congratulate the new service chiefs and hope that they will discharge their duties and responsibilities professionally without biases and tendencies in the best interest of the country,” the forum said.

    Recall that President Buhari on Tuesday, accepted the immediate resignation and retirement of the former service chiefs.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the newly appointed service chiefs were: Maj-Gen. Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff.

    Others were: Maj-Gen. I Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff, Rear Adm. A Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff and AVM I O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.

  • FG has lost grip of security in Nigeria – PANDEF

    FG has lost grip of security in Nigeria – PANDEF

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has said that the Federal Government has lost grip of security of lives and property in the country following the continued killings and kidnapping across the country by bandits.

    PANDEF expressed surprise that government was not moved when it learnt that law abiding citizens were currently paying hoodlums huge sums of money in order to stay alive or have access to their farmlands.

    Spokesman of the forum, Mr. Ken Robinson in an interview with The Punch said apart from providing electricity through generators, drilling boreholes to get water, Nigerians were gradually taking the responsibility of securing themselves from armed robbers, kidnappers, ritual killers and fraudsters.

    He said, “Communities now contribute to do roads and individuals drill boreholes for themselves. Citizens spend billions of naira to buy generators to provide electricity for themselves.

    “Now, Nigeria has been reduced to a situation where citizens are now paying for their safety and security. Surprisingly, Nigerians are not paying to conventional security agencies; they are paying money to bandits, to criminals in order to be safe.

    “What can be worse than that? How low does government want the country to go before they do something drastic? Unfortunately, the fact is that security is no longer in the hands of government and the indications are everywhere. The government has lost it as far as security is concerned.”

  • PANDEF chairman, Idongesit Nkanga is dead

    PANDEF chairman, Idongesit Nkanga is dead

    Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and a former military governor of Akwa Ibom State, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga has been reported dead.

    Though no official statement has so far been released to confirm the demise of the 68 year old two-time Director General of Divine Mandate Campaign organisation of Governor Udom Emmanuel, he is widely rumoured to have died of Covid—19.

    Nkanga, who according to sources has had a long battle with Covid-19, died on Thursday (Christmas eve).

    The late Nkanga was Akwa Ibom governor from September 1990 to 1992 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, handing over to an elected civilian Governor at the start of the Nigerian Third Republic. Ufot Ekaette, who later became the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was his deputy.

    He retired as an air commodore in the Nigerian Airforce.

    As the chairman of PANDEF, Nkanga was very vocal in the campaign for the restructuring of Nigeria and the development of the country’s Niger Delta region.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that neither the late Nkanga’s family, nor the Akwa Ibom State Government and PANDEF have released statements confirming his death.

    More details later…