The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed disappointment over the none designation of ministerial portfolio for the existing Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in the Federal Government’s current published list of Ministers assigned to various cabinet portfolios in Abuja today, Friday, 18 August, 2023.
In a Communique signed by PANDEF National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark and its National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien at the end of an emergency national meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of PANDEF held in Abuja today, discussion centered around the issues of the ongoing appointment and assignment of Ministers, as it affects the states of the Niger Delta region and South-South Geo-Political Zone, particularly, the Commission of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The meeting was chaired by the National Leader, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, OFR, CON, and in attendance were the National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, Members of the Board of Trustees, as well as National and State Officers.
At the end of deliberations, PANDEF expressed the following resolutions:
“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 country.
