By ERIC MOORE
THE Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for strong bonding among people of the region to overcome the continuous neglect by Nigerian government.
The regional apex body berated the recent decision of Federal Government on the Ministry of Niger Delta, stating that it was wrong that the ministry would be scrapped without consultation with stakeholders in region.
PANDEF expressed these concerns at its Special General Assembly held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where a galaxy of personalities from the region graced the occasion to advance development in the area.
Addressing the delegates via telephone, National Leader of PANDEF, Edwin Clark, said he was not surprised on federal government’s decision to scrap the ministry.
The elder statesman said it beholds on the region to unite from the irredeemable state of the nation, berating the President Bola Tinubu-led government for governing on ethnic and religious sentiments.
In his welcome address, National Chairman of PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Essien, said the theme of the General Assembly, “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta Region”, emphasized the critical need for peace and unity in the region.
Essien stressed that all components of the region need to unite and create an environment where development will thrive.
He recalled that seven years ago, the fourth general assembly organised by PANDEF in Port Harcourt was botched for unclear reasons, but he expressed joy for the peaceful gathering for the Assembly.
He stated: “This theme emphasizes the critical need for peace and unity within the Niger Delta to promote sustainable development.
“We must strive to create and maintain an environment conducive to socio-economic advancement and community resilience by prioritizing collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including the political class, traditional rulers, community leaders, as well as our women and youths.”
Senator Essien noted that the challenges that led to the founding of PANDEF have remained unsolved and implored the region not to give up.
Similarly, former governor of Akwa-Ibom State,Victor Attah, said it was very unfortunate for the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu, could scrap the Niger Delta Ministry the fought hard to get without duly consulting stakeholders who are from the region.
Also speaking, former Secretary to Akwa-Ibom State Government, Pastor Grace Ekong, said it was sad that the region has been neglected despite its contributions to the national growth.
She warned the Federal government to give urgent attention to infrastructural and human capacity development to avoid reemergence of militancy in the region.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Godknows Igali was elected as new National Chairman taking over from Senator Essien.