PANDEF Wants Speedy Environmental Clean Up Of S/S Region

The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Ambassdor Godknows Igali, has called for the speedy environmental clean up of the devastated region.

Ambassador Igali stated this when he led the National Exco on a visit to the Bayelsa Traditional Council of Chiefs at Yenagoa, to intimate the Royal fathers of the activities of the new exco and to receive their royal blessings.

A statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, Olorogun Obiuwevbi Ominimini in Abuja, says the clean-up may take up to thirty years because of the high level of devastation.

According to the statement, Amb Igali states that NDDC can stand alone instead of placing it under the Ministry of Regional Development because it is an interventionist agency that has to do with derivation.

The statement therefore states categorically that the next Chief Executive of NNPCL has to be appointed from the South South Geoplolitical zone, adding that he has written a memo to president Tinubu which was also endorsed by Co-Chairmen of PANDEF’s board of trustees concerning the signing into law by Mr President, the South South Development Commission bill as passed by the National Assembly.

“PANDEF belongs to the people of the South South Geo political zone, and the Exco is responsible for delivering the messages of the people of the region. PANDEF has brought unity to the region, though there are various languages, but Niger Delta now speaks in one voice through the Forum.”

It describes the people as peace makers, urging companies that operate in the oil and gas sector in the region to respect the rights of the people.

The statement says responding, the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers through King Bubaraye Dakolo commended the leadership qualities of the PANDEF National Exco and urged them to develop a new strategy capable of bringing development and preventing others in taking undue advantage of Niger Deltans.

By Georgina Humphrey