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From: Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa Niger Delta elders and leaders under the auspices of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on Tuesday, expressed grave concern over current realities in Nigeria, declaring that the country was drifting away. Leader of PANDEF, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who stated this during his opening remarks at the General Assembly of the group held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, lamented that inflammatory statements by those who do not mean well for Nigeria were being allowed with impunity Clark who commended President Mohammadu Buhari and Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for their efforts to visit the Niger Delta region and initiate dialogue. He however said that the relative peace being enjoyed was due to the efforts of PANDEF leaders. Clark also warned that the patient of the Niger Delta youths were running out unless urgent steps are taken to address the 16-point agenda raised by PANDEF during its meeting with the Presidency. His words “Today we are here again to appraise our activities thus far and to discuss the lingering issues in our dear country Nigeria especially as no one is sure where Nigeria is going as a country, as we hear words that should not be spoken any anybody who believes that he or she is a member of a country which tenets of national unity and cohesion should be incomparably above sectional and personal interests. Let me place on record that PANDEF will continue to be grateful to President Mohammadu Buhari and the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo for his visit to the Niger Delta region on a fact finding mission. Let me however say categorically that the impression being given after this visit is not the true position of things” He continued “The relative peace experienced now is as a result of the efforts of PANDEF and our youths who listened to us and ceased fire, thus leading to increase in oil production which we are having today. Hence I issue a note of warning to the Federal and state Governments and to the oil companies that the patience on the part of the youths of the Niger Delta is running out. We will not like a situation where they will regard us betrayals. Let the Federal Government immediately revisit our 16-point agenda” Clark who pointed out that the issue of restructuring has been deliberately and otherwise distorted and misconstrued said those genuinely interested in restructuring want a return to the 1963 constitution with some modifications. He disclosed that Niger Delta leaders are serious about the issue of restructuring and have held meetings with representatives of South West and South East with meeting with representatives of Middle Belt scheduled for Saturday July 15th. Clark who blasted Nmandi Kanu and the Independent People of Biafra also condemned the quit notice handed out to Igbos by Arewa youths called on security agencies to take action and ensure the arrest of those hell bent in destabilizing the country. “We stand by our patriotic position that the Quit notice issued to the Igbos is evil and criminal and must be seen by any well meaning Nigeria as such. We will be moving into a state of anarchy and disintegration, if the unfortunate and misguided statement by the Arewa Youths and their supporters is not withdrawn and the relevant organs and agencies of Government do not take action by apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators of this act” he said. Governor Henry Seriake Dickson in his opening remarks challenged the Federal Government to make the work of Niger Delta leaders easy by addressing all the demands listed in the 16-point agenda. According to him PANDEF and governments of Niger Delta states have done much to ensure there is a peaceful atmosphere in the region, Federal Government should complement that effort by ensuring that the tour of Osinbajo does not end in mere tour but in concrete actions. He urged PANDEF to continue with the mobilization of the Niger Delta to demand for a Nigeria where every ethnic region would have equal stake. |
