Members of the National Assembly have been applauded by PANDEF for their reconsideration of the Bakassi issue, and the forum encourages them to persevere in their pursuit of a definitive resolution.
The statement was included in a communique released at the end of the Forum’s National Executive Committee meeting, which took place over the weekend in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
The communique was signed by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien.
The Forum voiced its concern regarding the rising poverty in the Niger Delta, a consequence of the deplorable condition of vital infrastructure.
In response, it appealed to all South-South National Assembly members to utilize their offices to champion unity, peace, and accelerate the zone’s socio-economic growth and transformation.
The communique reads: ‘PANDEF frowns that several sections of the East-West Road, (Eleme-Onne, Patani-Kiama-Mbiama), sections of the Port Harcourt- Aba, Benin-Auchi, Benin-Sapale-Warri, Benin-Agbor, Sapele -Agbor, Calabar -Itu, Ikot Ekpene-Aba, highways have all become impassable, suffocating social and economic activities in the areas to widespread poverty levels.’
‘It is entirely unacceptable that the proverbial goose that lays the golden egg is being totally neglected, administration after administration.’
‘The forum demands immediate intervention works on the failed sections of the cited roads, and others, by the Federal Ministry of Works, and other relevant agencies, to, without further delay, ameliorate the sufferings of the people.’
Read also: 2023: Apologise To Clark In 48 Hours, PANDEF Warns Okowa
‘The meeting commends the National Assembly for revisiting the Bakassi issue, which is of dire interest to the people and urges the National Assembly to pursue the issue to a logical conclusion.’
‘The forum notes that the unresolved issues arising from the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon on account of the World Court Judgement and the Green Tree Agreement continue to threaten the wellbeing of the Bakassi people, and the security of the southernmost part of the Niger Delta region.’
As per the communique, the NEC meeting, attended by members of the Board of Trustees, National and State Executive Committees, and other key stakeholders, once more expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allocating the position of the Senate President to the Niger Delta
In light of Senator Godswill Akpabio’s leadership qualities, PANDEF conveyed its confidence in his capability to steer the Senate and the National Assembly, ensuring the utmost benefits for all Nigerians.
In a congratulatory message, PANDEF celebrated the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States for their electoral triumphs and effective commencement of their terms as executive governors.
‘PANDEF resolves to revisit its ’16-Point Demand’, for representation to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.’
‘It calls on the Federal Government to revisit the issue of supporting the development of Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta Region, to stamp out unwholesome, unauthorized refining of crude, as a way of providing employment for the teeming youths in the Niger Delta Region, and to curb criminality.’
‘We strongly caution youths of the Niger Delta Region to desist from unwarranted utterances capable of undermining the smooth functioning of federal agencies with direct bearing on the socio-economic development of the region.’
‘Forum remains committed to engaging with all well-meaning critical stakeholders of the Region, irrespective of political inclination, in its efforts to foster unity, lasting peace, security and the sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region, for the benefit of present and future generations,’ the communique further reads.
The forum, PANDEF, expressed their gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State government for their warm hospitality throughout their visit, while also thanking the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of PANDEF for their outstanding efforts in organizing the successful hosting of the expanded NEC meeting in the State.