Newscenter Media News The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has presented an eight-point agenda to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging decisive action on critical issues affecting the South-South region.
During a meeting at the State House in Abuja, PANDEF leaders, including traditional rulers and political figures, outlined their key demands:
1. Presidential Intervention in Rivers Political Crisis
PANDEF called on President Tinubu to step in and resolve the ongoing political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. They warned that the escalating tensions could destabilize the region and affect national economic stability. The group has set up a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee but insists that only Tinubu’s direct involvement can bring lasting peace.
2. Assent to the South-South Development Commission Bill
The group urged Tinubu to approve the South-South Development Commission Bill, emphasizing that it is different from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). They argued that while the NDDC focuses on oil-producing communities, the new commission would drive broader regional development, as seen in other geopolitical zones.
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3. Revisit the Bakassi Peninsula Issue
PANDEF demanded that the federal government address the displacement of indigenous communities following the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. The group warned that these communities face cultural extinction and require urgent intervention.
4. Strengthened Security Measures and Establishment of a Coast Guard
With rising cases of kidnappings, piracy, and violent attacks in the South-South, PANDEF called for enhanced security efforts. They specifically urged the government to establish a Coast Guard unit to protect coastal communities from criminal activities and prevent a resurgence of militancy.
5. Urgent Infrastructure Development
PANDEF decried the poor state of major roads in the region, particularly the East-West Road and the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road. They demanded increased budgetary allocation for infrastructure and called for the development of deep-sea ports in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Edo states to boost economic growth.
6. Greater Inclusion of Niger Delta Indigenes in the Oil and Gas Industry
The group urged the federal government to ensure more Niger Delta indigenes occupy leadership positions in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other key oil and gas agencies. They also pushed for the establishment of modular refineries to curb illegal refining and create economic opportunities.
7. Expanded Environmental Clean-Up Efforts
PANDEF called for a broader environmental restoration initiative beyond Ogoniland. They stressed the need to clean up oil spill-affected areas across the Niger Delta, highlighting the devastating impact of pollution on local communities.
8. Constitutional Reforms for True Fiscal Federalism
The group reiterated its demand for constitutional reforms that would allow states greater control over their resources. PANDEF emphasized that restructuring Nigeria’s revenue-sharing formula would empower regions to drive their own development more effectively.
While President Tinubu has not issued a formal response, sources at the meeting suggested he reassured PANDEF leaders of his administration’s commitment to addressing their concerns. With tensions in Rivers State still unresolved and economic challenges mounting, PANDEF’s appeal highlights the urgent need for decisive leadership in stabilizing the South-South region.
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