Pandef to Tinubu: takes a defined step to resolve the river crisis

The Niger Pan Delta forum (Pandef) begged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive measures to resolve the growing political crisis in the state of Rivers.

The sociocultural group urged the President to prevail over the Minister of the Federal Territory of the Capital, Chief Nyesom Wike and the governor of the State of Rivers, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to seek a friendly resolution for the sake of peace and stability.

Speaking during a meeting with President Tinubu at the State’s house, Abuja, on Tuesday, the co-chair of Pandef and the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Spiff of Diete, expressed concern about the prolonged political impasse in the state.

According to him: “Despite Mr. President’s paternal intervention, the crisis persists due to contradictory and contradictory court failures. The instability in the state of Rivers, a key economic center, raises serious risks to the nation’s income base ”.

He praised Governor Fubara for his public commitment to comply with the Supreme Court ruling, but warned that tensions remain high.

“We have established a Peace Committee and High Level Reconciliation chaired by Obong Victor Attah to mediate, but full cooperation has been difficult to achieve,” he added.

He urged President Tinubu to impress all interested parties for the importance of peace, emphasizing that “no part should be considered superior to the other, and a result of winning out of court should be sought.”

Beyond the river crisis, Pandef pressed for the immediate signature of the bill of the South-South Development Commission. The group clarified that the proposed commission is different from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which focuses on oil-related issues beyond the South-South region.

“The NDDC serves oil -producing states in Nigeria, as well as HYPPADEC was created for hydroelectric energy production areas. The South-South Development Commission is necessary to boost regional holistic development, ”said Pandef.

The leaders also asked the Federal Government to review the ruling of the International Court of Justice of 2002 (ICI) that gave the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. They regretted that the decision displaced thousands of Nigerians and led to economic difficulties for the state of Cross River.

“We do not want to stop in past errors, but we urge the Government to mitigate the devastating impact of this decision in the affected communities,” said King Diete-Spiff.

Pandef also gave alarm for the worsening of insecurity in the South-South, citing greater kidnappings, attacks and piracy of the sea. Leaders warned that criminal elements may be migrating to the south due to intensified security operations in other parts of the country.

“If left without control, communities can resort to self -help, which could increase tensions. We ask for improved security measures and the urgent establishment of a coastal guard to ensure our coastal areas, ”said the group.

He broke the poor state of critical infrastructure in the region, particularly the main roads and maritime ports and urged the federal government to prioritize the completion of the key roads, including the East-West and Calabar-Ite-Ikot Ekpene Road road, and support the development of deep water ports in the states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Edoo.

Pandef also advocated greater local participation in the oil and gas sector, asking that more indigenous people of the Niger Delta for senior management in NNPC and other parastatals in the industry are designated.

“We assure the president of our continuous cooperation to maintain and improve oil production. However, illegal refining and oil theft must be addressed by establishing modular refineries and the release of the gas penalty fund of gas, ”added the group.

Pandef made a renewed call for fiscal federalism, urging President Tinubu to defend the constitutional reforms that would give the States greater control over their resources.

“His excellence has long been a defender of true federalism. This is the key reform that will drive Nigeria towards rapid and holistic development, ”Pandef emphasized.

Expressing their support for the renewed agenda of hope of the administration, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work with the president for national progress.

“His success will be our collective success,” said King Diete Spiff.

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