The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended members of the National Assembly for revisiting the Bakassi issue and urged them to pursue the matter to a logical conclusion. The forum, which represents the interests of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria, expressed concerns over the rising poverty in the area due to the deplorable condition of critical infrastructure. They called on members of the National Assembly from the South-South to use their offices to foster unity, peace, and accelerate the socio-economic growth and transformation of the zone.
The Bakassi Peninsula has been a longstanding issue between Nigeria and Cameroon, with legal battles over its rightful ownership. The International Court of Criminal Justice ruled in 2002 that the Bakassi Peninsula belonged to Cameroon, leading to concerns about the wellbeing of the Bakassi people and the security of the Niger Delta region.
In addition to addressing the Bakassi issue, PANDEF demanded immediate intervention works on the failed sections of critical roads in the Niger Delta, including the East-West Road and others, to improve the social and economic activities in the area and alleviate widespread poverty.
The forum also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for zoning the position of the Senate President to the Niger Delta. They conveyed confidence in Senator Godswill Akpabio’s ability to provide the necessary leadership in the Senate and National Assembly for the benefit of all Nigerians.
PANDEF resolved to revisit its “16-Point Demand” for representation to the administration and called on the Federal Government to support the development of Modular Refineries in the Niger Delta to provide employment for the youth and curb illegal refining of crude. The forum also cautioned the youth of the region to refrain from unwarranted utterances that could undermine the smooth functioning of federal agencies related to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta.
Overall, PANDEF remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders for the unity, peace, security, and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
