The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, hosted a delegation of eminent statesmen who travelled from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and other parts of the federation to honour the late Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, on Friday. Following the funeral rites…
โThere is no doubt that Chief Alamieyeseigha deserves and earned the highest level of accolade and honour. While he lived with us and all through the course of his public life, he was outstanding and accomplished. He was selfless and, at all times, placed the interests of the collective above his own personal interests.โ
A key highlight of PANDEFโs message was the renewed call for urgent action on the longstanding infrastructural decay in the Niger Deltaโthe region that sustains the national economy. The forum emphasized that critical projects such as the East-West Road, the BeninโAuchi Road, the BeninโWarri Road, and the rehabilitation of major southern ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri can no longer be ignored if Nigeria intends to unlock its full economic potential.
This milestone anniversary offers us yet another opportunity to reflect on the journey of our nationhood. In that respect, we urge governments at all levels to show greater determination and respect for rule of law in consolidating democracy, pursuing meaningful economic reforms, and confronting the challenges of insecurity, poverty, hunger and youth unemployment that continue to weigh heavily on our people.
โWe say to the political leaders and people of Rivers State, who were the true victims of the dark days, that light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has comeโ
โAs a coalition of elders, statesmen, and stakeholders from Nigerian major socio-cultural groups committed to the unity, justice, and progress of our dear country, we cannot ignore the fact that a healthy democracy thrives on the presence of a credible, organized, and vibrant opposition.”
PANDEF therefore calls upon the relevant authorities, most especially, President Bola Tinubu, as the father of the nation, and the National Assembly, led by our own son, Senator Godswill Akpabio to act without delay to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. The prolonged political crisis in the state has created an environment of instability and uncertainty that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens.
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.
Many Nigerian states, particularly in the North East, North West and North Central geopolitical zones live with daily assaults on their very existence. Yet, no state of emergency has been declared!
“Mr. President,” Ambassador Igali urged, “we implore you to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. The Minister does not own the Niger Delta, and his conduct should not be condoned.”
