Follow Us on Google
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has cautioned the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) against partisanship tasking the group to stay focus on the collective interest of the Niger Delta region.
He stated this when he met with PANDEF executive council led by its Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien at Government House, Yenagoa.
The governor saluted the efforts of leaders and other stakeholders of PANDEF, especially, elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark for showing leadership over the years on issues affecting the Niger Delta.
Diri lauded PANDEF for its efforts towards the growth and development of the region.
“PANDEF is an apolitical body. I advise that it remains so in order for its integrity to be intact. PANDEF is a voice in the Niger Delta and in Nigeria and its contributing to the growth and development of our region. We appreciate the leaders because of the role they play in stabilising the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state
“We also appreciate our elder statesmen, Pa Edwin Clark, who has given leadership to PANDEF. Our leaders have been at the fore front of our struggles and agitations, raising the issues from time to time. So far, we have not achieved our desired goals but we must continue to agitate for what rightly belongs to us,” he said.
Diri assured PANDEF of continued support even as he directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to provide a befitting accommodation for the group’s headquarters in Bayelsa State.
