*Charged Niger Deltans to embrace PANDEF as an umbrella body of the South-South geopolitical zone

By Ogbagah Matthias


DELTA – The Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has promised to work with Amb. God knows Igali led the National Exco of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) for the overall development of the Niger Delta region.

His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, made the promise during PANDEF’s visit to the Obong in Calabar on Tuesday, where His Eminence also charged all Niger Deltans to embrace PANDEF as the apex sociopolitical umbrella body of the South-South geopolitical zone.

Olorogun Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the National Publicity Secretary and Spokesman of PANDEF noted that the Obong narrated his involvement in the early life of PANDEF along with Oba Erediauwa, the 39th Oba of Benin and commended Chief Sen. Edwin Clark for for the vision in bring the Leaders of the region together in establishing PANDEF.

The statement reads, “The National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb Godknows Igali in his speech, told the revered Monarch that PANDEF has come to pay respect to the treaty King and to get his royal blessing.

“Amb. Igali traced the ancient kingdom of Calabar to the 13th century, when the Obong of Calabar signed a treaty with Queen Victoria of England, stating that it is only people of equal recognition who sign the treaty together.

“Amb Igali, therefore, stated that PANDEF, in its roles, shall continue to advocate for a constitutional role for traditional rulers, tracing the importance of Calabar as Headquarters back to 1906 and urging that it is properly fit for a UNESCO historical tour site.

Speaking further, Amb Igali said, “Our forefathers have been fighting for the development of the region, and the rights of the ethnic minorities which led to the setting up of the Willins commission and the establishment of the Niger Delta River basin, and their are more reasons now why we must come together to fight for the development of the South-South zone.

The National Chairman told the Obong that the new exco under his leadership has to be everywhere to represent the region in order not to be short-changed, making the region’s positions known and very clear in pursuit of the Coast Guard bill, South-South Development Commission bill, and the 2025 Nigeria budget.

In His Eminence received the PANDEF Delegation in his country home in Calabar and treated the delegation to a warm reception.”