By Matthias Ogbagah
DELTA – The sociopolitical umbrella of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities of the South-South geopolitical zone, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the South-South Development Commission Bill.
PANDEF, in a press statement made available to newsmen, noted that the signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law had boosted the confidence of the Niger Delta people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country.
PANDEF expressed implicit confidence in the president in selecting competent and tested hands with cognate skills and experience to ensure that this body plays its complimentary role to the efforts of our Governors in delivering sustainable development to the region, which continues to contribute immensely to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades.
The press statement signed by the national chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, and made available to journalists by the national publicity/spokesman of PANDEF, Olorogun Christopher Obiuewvbi Ominimini stated in parts;
“On behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and peoples which make up the South-South geopolitical zone, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) conveys profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, announced on Tuesday the 25th of March, 2025. We also commend the National Assembly for the timely completion of work on this piece of legislation.
“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country and; in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region.
“PANDEF is hopeful that in setting up this new Commission, Mr. President will carefully select competently and tested hands with cognate skills and experience to ensure that this body plays its complimentary role to the efforts of our Governors in delivering sustainable development to the region, which continues to contribute immensely to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades.
PANDEF reiterates hope that other outstanding issues, especially environmental remediation from the negative impact of oil and gas production as well as an acute deficit in basic infrastructure, which constitute an existential threat to the South-South, would be treated as a priority.
PANDEF expressed hope that based on the sustained nationwide appeals and genuine concerns from virtually every corner of the country over the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor and the State Assembly, Mr. President would graciously accord urgent attention to restoration of the State back to its normal democratic governance by immediately recalling the Governor, Deputy Governor and the State Assembly.
While commending President Tinubu and the National Assembly for signing the South-South Development Commission bill into law, the forum said they look forward to continued collaboration, progress, and peace in the days ahead.
