The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to abolish the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.
The group stated in a communiqué signed by its National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, and National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and released at the end of their meeting in Abuja on Friday, August 18, that the ministry established by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and sustained by Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari must continue to function.
PANDEF requested that President Tinubu appoint a minister for Niger Delta Affairs, saying that the ministry’s abolition will have “adverse consequences.”
The communique read; “The meeting discussed issues pertaining to 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 omission of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The meeting resolves as follows:
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“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.
“Cautions that any misguided step towards scrapping or submerging the ministry will create an unfavourable 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.”
