The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the foremost socio-political body of the South-South region, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to release Rivers State’s statutory allocation.
During a media interaction at Uyo Airport on Saturday, PANDEF’s newly appointed National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, expressed his satisfaction with the President’s move, describing it as a commendable and statesmanlike decision.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by PANDEF Spokesman,Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini and was made available to the Guardian innAbuja
The statement quoted Ambassador Igali to have stressed that the action would bring much-needed relief not only to the people of Rivers State but also to Nigeria as a whole.
Ambassador Igali further emphasized that this decision would shield the citizens of Rivers State from suffering due to the ongoing political conflict within the state’s leadership.
He expressed hope that the President’s action would complement the ongoing peace efforts led by the Obong Victor Attah-led High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which was recently set up by PANDEF.
The PANDEF leader also called on all political figures, youth, and women’s groups in Rivers State to embrace peace, follow the example set by the federal government, and support the reconciliation process being spearheaded by the region’s elders.
PANDEF reiterated its commitment to fostering peace and unity across the Niger Delta region, emphasizing that collaboration among political leaders is essential to the region’s progress and stability.
The PANDEF leader again called on all political actors and leaders in Rivers State as well as youth and women groups to sheath the sword and follow the step taken by the federal government in de-escalating tension while the reconciliation effort by the elders of the region is ongoing.