By Onome Oghenetega
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Friday cautioned President Bola Tinubu against either scrapping or merging the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
PANDEF, an umbrella body of ethnic nationalities in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, also called on President Tinubu to urgently address the non-appointment of a minister to man the ministry.
In a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Committee, warned against tampering with institutions created to foster peace and development in the Region.
The communiqué signed by PANDEF’s National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark and National Chairman, Senator Ibok Essien, said the people of the region remain committed to enduring peace in the country.
“PANDEF Expresses great surprise that in the published assignment of Ministers to their various cabinet portfolios, there is none designated for the existing Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
“Reminds Mr. President that the Ministry of Niger Delta was created, specifically, to “focus on infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region”, which continues to be greatly impacted by the oil and gas industry, and remains the live-wire of the national economy.
“That the Ministry which was created by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008, and was sustained under his two immediate predecessors (Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari) to help advance the course of the peace in the Niger Delta region.
“Therefore, calls on Mr. President to urgently address the omission.
“Cautions that any misguided step toward scrapping or submerging the Ministry, will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.
“Further cautions the federal government to desist from tampering with any institution(s), which along with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, have been flagship institution(s), to ensure peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
“We are hopeful that the federal government will be properly advised on this matter, even as we reiterate the commitment of the leadership of PANDEF and the people of the region to enduring the reign of peace and stability in the overall interest of the country”, the communiqué read.
