By Ogbagah Matthias, Delta

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a socio-political body representing the Niger Delta region, has distanced itself from the proposed Biafra Republic, issued a stern warning to the proponents and those blowing embers of secession from Nigeria country to stop including communities from the Niger Delta and the South-South geopolitical zone in their secessionist agenda.

The position of PANDEF is contained in a statement signed by Hon. Engr. Donben Donyegha, PANDEF’s National Youth Leader and available to The Rainbow Newspaper. The group emphasized that the Niger Delta is not part of the Biafra Republic and will resist any further attempts to associate the region with such plans.

The statement read in part:

“We, the apex socio-political body of the Niger Delta, are not party to this agitation. The continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities in the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative and tantamount to an insult to the leaders of the Niger Delta region,” the statement read.

“Niger Delta is not Biafra. Any further attempt to include any towns or territories from the Niger Delta in this agitation will meet strong resistance from our youths. They are hereby warned to desist from such actions immediately,” Donyegha said.

The group warned that the Niger Delta youths would resist any effort to disregard or belittle their leaders and elders through provocative publications or pronouncements by Biafra agitators.

PANDEF’s National Youth Leaders, while reaffirming their stance, expressed their belief in the unity of Nigeria while advocating for a nation where states control their natural resources and contribute to the federal government for national security, foreign policy, and territorial integrity.

“PANDEF believes in a true Nigeria where no citizen is treated as second-class. We stand for a united Nigeria, with equal opportunities for all and the autonomy of sub-national units to grow at their own pace,” the statement added.

The group warned that the Niger Delta youths would resist any effort to disregard or belittle their leaders and elders through provocative publications or pronouncements by Biafra agitators.

“PANDEF highlighted the need for a return to the principles enshrined in the 1964 Constitution, which allowed for resource control and federalism, contrasting it with the centralization seen in the 1999 Constitution.

“Even though the 1999 constitution has major departure from the 1964 constitution, PANDEF shall continue to engage government at the federal and State levels to ensure that the vision of our Founding Fathers is realized, more so as we have Amb Godknows Igali, an astute Intelectual of International repute as our National Chairman

The group commended the leadership of its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, describing him as an intellectual of international repute, and vowed to continue engaging with federal and state governments to achieve the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

“Niger Delta is not, and can never be, part of the plan to break away from Nigeria under the aegis of Biafra Republic. This warning should serve as a caution to agitators, both at home and abroad, to act with maturity and respect our autonomy.”