… He says PANDEF is lucky to have Amb. Godknows Igali as National Chairman
By Ogbagah Matthias
DELTA – The revered monarch of Benin kingdom, HRM Oba Ewuare II, commended the leadership of the Apex Social Political Umbrella body of the Niger Delta, Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF), led by Amb. Godknows Igali as National Chairman.
HRM Oba Ewuare II promised to work closely with the Pan Niger Delta to achieve its laudable visions for the total emancipation of the Niger Delta region.
The monarch of the ancient kingdom of Benin made the commendations and promise when the National working committee of PANDEF paid him a visit to his palace.
While describing the national chairman of PANDEF as a brilliant and intelligent man, he said that PANDEF should count it a rare privilege and lucky to have Amb. God knows Igali as the national of PANDEF.
According to him, Amb Godknows Igali has, in the time past, played a prominent role by taking the initiative to invite him to a foreign exhibition as an Ambassador, where he had the opportunity to make a case for the return of the stolen Benin Artifacts.
In his speech, Amb Godknows traced the relevance and the powerful status of the throne in Benin and Benin City to far back the 16th century.
Igali recalled that all Niger Deltans cherish the Benin throne, adding that all Niger Delta are linked by blood as their forefathers married many wives across ethnic divides in the region and gave birth to children who have droplets of blood from many ethnic groups.
While highlighting the importance of keeping the Niger Delta people together as it has benefitted them in the past and now, he noted that the unity amongst the people of the region made it possible for them to produce Sen. Joseph Wayas as Senate president of Nigeria.
The Pandef National chairman says it is, therefore, important to take the royal blessing of the Oba to enable this new executive member to succeed in her task of working for the people of the Niger Delta.
According to a press release signed by the national spokesman of PANDEF, Olorogun Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the historic visit to the Oba of Benin, HRM Oba Ewuare II brought about relief and a new hope for the Niger Delta region.
Present at the historical visit are; the National Deputy Chairman of PANDEF, Hon. Bassey Ekefre from Cross Rivers State; the National Secretary, Chief Engr Reynolds Dagogo-Jack from Rivers State; the Spokesman, Olorogun Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini from Delta State; the National Woman Leader, Pastor Grace Ekong from Akwa Ibom state; the National Treasurer, Mrs. Eziade Ifeoma Agboma from Delta state; the National Financial Secretary, Engr Emmanuel Igbinaduwa from Edo state.
Others are; the National Youth Leader, Chief Donben Doyegha from Edo state, the Deputy National Secretary, Hon Godwin Okotie from Delta state, and including the Edo State PANDEF Exco members.
PANDEF commended the monarch for his warm reception accorded them at his palace saying it is a clear demonstration high degree of interest and love he (Oba of Benin) has for not Edo nation alone but for the entire Niger Delta region.
Pandef wishes the Oba the success of the Benin Royal Museum and a peaceful reign in good health.
The press release contained the visit of the PANDEF working committee to the funeral service of Late General Godwin Abbe, a one-time Military Governor of Rivers, Akwa Ibom States, and the pioneer Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
