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.”

***Moves to reconcile Wike, Fubara

At a crucial assembly held in Port Harcourt, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the decision to abolish the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
In addition, they highlighted the need for urgent investments in regional infrastructure and increased local participation in the oil sector to address the long-standing challenges in the Niger Delta.

The Special General Assembly, hosted by Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, convened government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives of youth and women’s organizations.
Focused on the theme, “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta,” the assembly urged action on several critical issues to boost the region’s economic future.

In a communique signed by PANDEF Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen HE King Alfred Diette-Spiff and HE Obong Victor Attah, the assembly voiced opposition to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs’ dissolution, advocating for either its reinstatement or the creation of a South-South Commission dedicated to the region’s needs.
The statement noted, “The Ministry was established to address specific issues related to the Niger Delta’s unique environmental challenges and economic importance. The decision to dissolve it lacked consultation with critical stakeholders and fails to consider the circumstances that led to its creation.”

PANDEF also emphasized the urgency of resolving conflicts among regional leaders.
To this end, they announced the establishment of a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Obong Victor Attah, to mediate disputes, including the ongoing rift between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This committee aims to foster stability and cooperation within the Niger Delta.

The assembly raised concerns over neglected infrastructure, particularly the East-West Road, and urged the federal government to prioritize critical projects like the Calabar-Lagos railway to support economic growth in oil-producing states.
Another key point was the need for policies that ensure greater local participation in the oil and gas sector, a vital industry located within the region but often excluding local investors.

In line with sustainable economic goals, PANDEF expressed optimism about the newly established African Energy Bank, which could provide financial support for local projects in green and sustainable energy.
To further economic growth, PANDEF recommended that Niger Delta states allocate 20% of their budgets to industrialization and agriculture and 25% to education.
They advocated for industrial parks and agricultural development, particularly in fisheries and food processing.

The assembly concluded with the inauguration of a new PANDEF National Executive Committee, led by Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali as National Chairman.
This leadership is charged with advancing PANDEF’s mission for equitable economic development and advocating for a prosperous future for the Niger Delta through peaceful engagement with federal and state governments.