The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the end of a Special General Assembly on October 24, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, among the key resolutions was the establishment of a High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees.
The committee is charged with the responsibility of mediating disputes within the region and address the ongoing feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Their conflict stemmed from political disagreements since Fubara took office in May 2023, raising concerns about unity in Rivers State.
Other notable members include Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Rowland Owie, Stella Omu, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah (rted), Pam Ogar, and Stella Dorgu.
In a communique made available to newsmen in Abuja, the assembly also expressed serious concern over the recent dissolution of the Ministry of Niger Delta, which had been created to tackle specific challenges unique to the region. Delegates condemned this decision as a neglect of the Niger Delta’s environmental and economic needs.
In addition to advocating for the restoration of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, PANDEF called on state governments to fully utilize revenues from the 13% derivation fund for critical programs. The assembly emphasised the need for improved infrastructure, local participation in the oil and gas industry, and enhanced educational initiatives.
Hosted by Siminalayi Fubara, the assembly brought together delegates from all six Niger Delta states, former governors, military leaders, and various stakeholders to discuss pressing regional issues under the theme “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta.”
The assembly emphasised the region’s economic significance and condemned federal neglect of infrastructure.
Resolutions also included calls for improved participation of local investors in the oil industry, restoration of the dissolved Ministry of Niger Delta, and enhanced educational initiatives.
The assembly affirmed that the Niger Delta is Nigeria’s economic heart, rich in oil and gas resources, yet paradoxically one of the least developed regions globally due to pollution and a flawed governance system.
Delegates commended PANDEF’s ongoing efforts to advocate for equity, justice, and good governance through dialogue and engagement.
Additionally, the assembly condemned the federal government’s neglect of critical infrastructure, including the East-West Highway and underutilised seaports. They called on the federal government to repair failed roads, complete the East-West Highway, initiate the Calabar-Lagos railway project, and establish a maritime mass transit system for riverine areas.
Delegates urged state governments to implement extensive industrialization programmes through joint ventures with private investors, establishing industrial estates in all local government areas. They emphasised the need for mechanized agriculture to enhance food security, particularly in crops like cassava and yam, and recommended allocating 20% of annual budgets to industry and agriculture.
In education, PANDEF called for tuition-free schooling at all levels and proposed that each of the 185 local government areas should have at least one tertiary institution. They also advocated for a minimum annual education budget support of 25%, in line with UNESCO guidelines.
Additionally, the assembly highlighted the importance of research and publications in promoting Niger Delta identity and sustainable development, announcing plans to establish research institutes for this purpose.
Delegates further emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among the BRACED community and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to develop critical infrastructure.
Key proposals include constructing a railway line from Calabar to Benin City, which would run parallel to the East-West Highway, with connections to major towns and industrial sites. The assembly also advocated for improved intra- and inter-city transport through metro lines, tramways, and buses.
Additionally, PANDEF highlighted the importance of developing inland waterways with modern, solar-powered vessels that could serve multiple purposes, including mobile health centers and schools. “Innovative transport solutions can transform our region,” stated Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman of PANDEF.
The assembly concluded with a commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure as part of broader efforts to foster economic growth and development in the Niger Delta.
The PANDEF officially inaugurated a new National Executive Committee during its Special General Assembly held on October 24, 2024, at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The assembly was attended by delegates from all six Niger Delta states and various dignitaries.
The newly inaugurated inaugurated a new National Executive Committee which include: Godknows Igali, National Chairman (Bayelsa), Bassey Ekefre – Deputy National Chairman (Cross River), Godwin Okotie – Ag. National Secretary (Delta), Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini – National Spokesman (Delta) and Joseph Edet – National Organising Secretary (Cross River).
Others are Aniedi Ndem – National Legal Adviser, Grace Ekong – National Woman Leader (Akwa Ibom), Jane Peters – Assistant National Women Leader (Rivers), Don Ben Donyegha – National Youth Leader (Edo) and Matthew Dighi – Deputy Youth Leader (Rivers).
Others are Ifeoma Agbomah – National Treasurer (Delta), E.E. Igbinaduwa – National Financial Secretary (Edo) and Fatiede Ayebide – National Auditor.
The communiqué was signed by prominent leaders, including: King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees, Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees, Godknows Igali, National Chairman, Godwin Okotie, Ag. National Secretary and Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, National Spokesman.
