By Godknows Boladei Igali Prologue Beyond the mere platitudes associated with longevity of earthly sojourn, late Chief E.K. Clark (97 years) and late Pa Ayo Adebanjo (96 years) exemplified extraordinary service to Nigeria and the generation they lived in. Their lives, separated at death by just three days, were marked by courage, resilience and a…
As the National Chairman of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. Igali expressed his gratitude to Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, for approving the vital infrastructure project that will enhance connectivity in the region.
Looking at all these three heroes of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta, Dappa-Biriye symbolized different aspects of common traits and attributes such as diplomatic courage and integrity; Boro embodied revolutionary courage and youthful idealism; while Edwin Clark represented strategic courage and enduring advocacy. All three are bound by a shared goal: justice and equity for the Niger Delta, each walking different paths—but with unshakable courage, deep conviction, and enduring character.
“Let us go back to the days when we had no fences in our villages where we lived a communal life of freedom and justice. There are those who have sacrificed their lives for us so that we will have a homogeneous Ijaw state. One of those who fought for the creation of Bayelsa was Pa Clark.”
We hold the expectation that members of the newly inaugurated Adhoc Committee will seize the opportunity to etch their names in gold by providing effective oversight of the Administrator’s actions, and where appropriate, reversing some of the unlawful measures he has undertaken since assuming office. A case in point is the arbitrary dissolution of duly constituted democratic institutions, followed by rather whimsical and capricious reconstitution of same.
“Again, l restate that this is the time for dialogue because it is a lose-lose situation for people of Rivers State. l urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to waste no time in inaugurating a committee of eminent personalities that will immediately intervene and bring back peace and the constituted government of Rivers State back to office.”
“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote equitable regional development across the country, particularly in addressing the unique social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region.”
As a body that represents the interests of the South-South citizens, PANDEF reaffirmed its dedication to pursuing peace and stability in the region. The forum aims to foster constructive dialogue with the Federal Government to address the situation in Rivers State.
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.
“Depriving the state of its rightful allocations imposes undue hardship on a people who have consistently contributed to national sustenance”
