A key leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing tax reform issues and the systemic inequities plaguing Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Clark emphasized that the unresolved tax reform debates underscored the urgent need for comprehensive restructuring to address Nigeria’s diverse economic and social challenges.

Clark reflected on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, which have sparked significant tension between the federal government and state governors.
While the government seeks to push forward with the reforms, several governors, alongside the Vice President, have called for a delay, urging more stakeholder consultations.

“The failure to restructure Nigeria is at the heart of our current predicament,” Clark asserted.
He argued that only through restructuring could the country address pressing issues like fiscal federalism and the fairness of its tax and revenue-sharing system.
The lack of a clear framework for equitable resource distribution, especially between oil-producing and non-oil-producing regions has continued to fuel dissatisfaction.

The veteran statesman specifically highlighted the Niger Delta’s plight, where despite contributing nearly 90% of Nigeria’s oil, the region remains marginalized in appointments and contract allocations within the oil industry.
Clark criticized the recent composition of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing the absence of key representatives from major oil-producing states like Delta and Bayelsa as a direct affront to the Niger Delta people.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s colonial history, Clark pointed to previous struggles over fair taxation, citing protests like the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, which were driven by oppressive tax policies.
Despite decades of such historical injustices, Clark lamented that Nigeria still fails to address its fundamental fiscal and structural challenges.

In his call for a national restructuring, Clark proposed a more inclusive approach to revenue-sharing and governance.
He stressed that any future reforms should prioritize improving the collection and distribution of taxes, particularly in resource-rich regions, to foster social equity.

Clark also urged President Tinubu and the Northern Governors to approach the tax reform issues with caution.
He warned that failure to address the legitimate concerns of marginalized regions could lead to further disillusionment and division.

“The time for tinkering is over,” Clark declared, insisting that only a full constitutional review, focusing on equitable governance and resource distribution, could bring about lasting peace and unity in Nigeria.

He concluded by calling on all Nigerians to support a comprehensive restructuring process that prioritizes fairness, justice, and the inclusive development of every region, emphasizing that a truly united Nigeria could only emerge when every citizen is given equal opportunities to thrive.

Chief Edwin K. Clark, the National Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the deplorable state of roads in the South-South region as part of the 2025 budget.

In an open letter, Chief Clark described the dire conditions of critical road networks in the region, emphasizing their impact on the lives of citizens and the economy of the nation.
He stressed that the South-South region, which remains the country’s primary revenue base due to its oil production, has been unfairly neglected despite its contributions.

He highlighted several roads in disrepair to include Benin-Auchi Road where Travel time has increased from 2½ hours to over 7 hours, Sapele-Warri Road that is a short 30-minute journey but now takes more than 2 hours.
Others are the Uyo-Itu-Calabar Road, a 90-kilometer trip that once took less than 2 hours now stretches to over 6 hours and Port Harcourt-Owerri Road which Travel time has doubled to 4 hours.

Clark also decried the slow progress on the East-West Road, a vital artery connecting the region, stating that contractors lack the capacity to handle its unique terrain.

“It is unimaginable that a region producing billions in revenue daily is burdened by impassable roads,” he said, pointing out that repairing these roads would require less than a week’s worth of the region’s oil production revenue.

Chief Clark appealed to the President to prioritize the Niger Delta, declaring the state of roads an emergency and allocating significant resources in the 2025 budget to address the issue.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate fairness and write your name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history,” Clark concluded, urging swift action to end the suffering of the people of the South-South.

The letter came as the region continues to grapple with environmental damage and infrastructural neglect despite its pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s economy.

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.