The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently clarify the omission of the ministry of Niger Delta.
It was gathered from sources in the presidency that the Ministry of Niger Delta was scrapped by the President because there is also the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
It was further gathered that following the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta, all the works and duties previously mandated to the ministry will be moved to the NDDC.
To this end, an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Executive Commiiee of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) held in Abuja, on Friday, 18th August 2023.
A communique which was signed by its national leader. Chief Dr. Edwin K. Clark, and National chairman Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien and issued at the end of an emergency meeting cautioned against any misguided step toward scrapping or submerging the ministry as it will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.
It further cautioned 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.
The communique reminded President Tinubu 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.
“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) was to help advance the course of the peace in the Niger Delta region.
The meeting which was chaired by the National Leader, Chief E. K. Clark had in attendance the National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Members of the Board of Trustees, as well as National and State Officers.
“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.
“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.”