The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed confidence in its recently inaugurated a high-level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, tasked with resolving political crises in the South-South region.
The committee, chaired by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Chief Obong Victor Attah, was established at PANDEF’s Special General Assembly in Port Harcourt on October 24, 2024.

The new committee includes prominent figures such as former Senate Whip Senator Rowland Owie, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah (rtd.), and Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, who also serves as PANDEF’s newly appointed National Chairman.
The committee is set to mediate lingering conflicts in the region, focusing on fostering unity and sustainable peace among communities.

Dr. Igali expressed optimism about the initiative, emphasizing that the committee will provide a platform for all voices to be heard. “The mandate of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee is to engage with key stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and strengthen bonds within the Niger Delta community,” he said.

The leadership of PANDEF has urged the government, civil society organizations, and community leaders to work collaboratively with the committee to bring lasting peace to the Niger Delta.
In his statement, PANDEF National Spokesman Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini assured that all underlying issues will be addressed, affirming PANDEF’s commitment to fostering unity in the region.

The committee’s first steps are expected to include consultations across states in the South-South geopolitical zone, aiming to set the groundwork for reconciliation and renewed cooperation within the Niger Delta.

The recent dissolution of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC) executive by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has stirred debate within the Itsekiri community, with INYC Adviser Comrade Emiko Oghomienor challenging the monarch’s authority to make such a decision.

The Olu of Warri announced the dissolution at his palace, citing the INYC’s alleged failure to adopt a new constitution and conduct elections.
In response, the palace appointed leaders from the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates and the National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS) to draft a new INYC constitution, with Chiefs Omolubi Newuwumi and Wilson Olley serving as advisers to the committee.

However, Oghomienor argued that only the INYC’s Board of Trustees has the constitutional power to dissolve the council’s leadership.
He stated that the current executive, led by Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro and Acting President Comrade Godwin Utieyin, is set to serve until December 2024, with established procedures governing any potential dissolution.

“The Olu of Warri is traditionally presented with INYC leadership for royal blessing, but does not oversee its election process,” Oghomienor said, emphasizing that INYC’s creation came from the vision of patriotic Itsekiri leaders independent of the monarchy’s influence.

He affirmed that the current leadership would complete its term, with future elections to follow the council’s existing constitution, allowing for any necessary amendments.

The development highlights differing perspectives within the Itsekiri community on the role of traditional authority in youth organization governance, underscoring ongoing efforts to maintain INYC’s autonomy.

According to the new development,
“In the interim, the Palace has immediately appointed Presidents of the National Association of Itsekiri Graduates and National Association of Itsekiri Students (NAIS) as the core of a committee to draft a new constitution for INYC, with Chief Omolubi Newuwumi and Chief Wilson Olley working as Advisers”, the announcement stated.
But reacting through a statement on Tuesday, Oghomienor, maintained that only the Board of Trustees of INYC is statutorily empowered to dissolve the association.
He said :” Even the Board of Trustees of INYC, which is constitutional empowered to dissolve exco of the body, has laid down procedures that must be followed, whenever the necessity arises.

“In this instance, there’s no need to announce dissolution of the current leadership of INYC, led by Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, with Comrade Godwin Utieyin Acting as President. The tenure of the current INYC leadership terminates December 2024, which is barely two months away, one now wonders the bases on which the purported dissolution was announced. ”

“The issue that was on ground for days, was exploring ways to amend the existing constitution of INYC, not drafting a new constitution as being insinuated.

“The Olu of Warri, right from the inception of INYC, is only presented with leadership of the body for royal blessing, not determining the process of electing INYC executive.
“For the records, INYC was birthed as a result critical circumstances, by very mature, patriotic and forward thinking Itsekiris, it’s not a body for children or inexperienced youths.”

Oghomienor, emphasized: “I am not aware of any ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta or other parts of Nigeria, where traditional rulers or institutions, delve into the election of youth executive for ethnic nationalities.
“The current leadership of INYC, will see their tenure through and election of new exco, will be done in – line with the existing constitution of INYC, subject to further amendments.”

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank,.N
has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and called for the ministry’s urgent restoration.
Frank described the move as abrupt and prejudiced, criticizing it for disregarding the unique significance of the ministry to the people of the Niger Delta.

The announcement, made by President Tinubu on Tuesday, detailed a structural shift that replaces the Niger Delta Ministry with a new Ministry of Regional Development.
This new ministry will oversee various zonal development agencies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

In a statement released in Abuja, Frank argued that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, established by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was designed to address the unique socio-economic and environmental needs of the Niger Delta.
The ministry has played a pivotal role in reducing youth unrest and safeguarding critical oil infrastructure, which is essential for Nigeria’s economic stability.

“This decision seems rushed and lacks respect for the historic and symbolic importance of the Niger Delta Ministry, which stands as a pillar of hope and development for the people of this region,” Frank said.
“The President’s move was made without consulting the leaders and citizens of the Niger Delta, showing a lack of consideration for the region’s unique challenges and contributions.”

Frank questioned the logic behind creating a Ministry of Livestock Development for the North while dismantling a dedicated ministry for the Niger Delta, a region responsible for much of Nigeria’s oil revenue.
He noted that such a decision may exacerbate the economic and social challenges faced by Niger Deltans rather than alleviate them.

“The Niger Delta has long borne the environmental impact of the nation’s oil production, yet this decision ignores the region’s critical role and resources,” Frank asserted.
“Any change to the ministry should be rooted in consultation and dialogue, not unilateral action. This decision risks further alienating the people of the Niger Delta and could lead to instability.”

Frank urged President Tinubu to consider the voices of key Niger Delta leaders, including Chief E.K. Clark and Alhaji Asari Dokubo, who have called for a reversal of this decision.
He emphasized that restoring the ministry would demonstrate respect for the region and avert potential unrest.