Leaders of the Niger Delta, under PANDEF, have asked President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State, citing its threat to regional and national stability. The President emphasized the need for rule of law, stakeholder cooperation, and the importance of ongoing infrastructure projects for economic development.
Leaders from the Niger Delta, assembled under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and mitigate the political crisis currently unfolding in Rivers State. They conveyed their concerns at the Presidential Villa, highlighting that such unrest could have far-reaching implications for the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.
Obong Victor Attah, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State and co-chair of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the need for heightened attention to the situation, as it poses a threat to national stability. President Tinubu responded by underscoring the importance of adhering to the rule of law in fostering enduring peace and prosperity within Rivers State.
President Tinubu articulated, “Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg,” indicating his understanding of the crisis’ potential ramifications. He acknowledged prior interventions and stressed the necessity for stakeholders to respect the Constitution for the state to progress.
He called on leaders to actively assist in the implementation of court rulings to promote peace, stating, “Go back home and take charge of peace,” while expressing his commitment to ensuring that the citizens of Rivers State do not suffer due to democratic processes.
The President commended the leadership efforts in the Niger Delta, particularly highlighting the work of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the head of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He stressed the significance of community development and future economic benefits from ongoing infrastructure projects, including a coastal road and new ports.
King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board, expressed gratitude to the President for his dedication to the South-South region and the appointments of Niger Delta indigenes. He assured the President of their support and optimism regarding his leadership.
Obong Victor Attah reiterated the profound consequences of the ongoing political issues, underlining their potential impact on national stability. He called for a sustained focus on critical areas such as infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism to bolster the South-South region’s autonomy and growth.
In summary, the leaders of the Niger Delta have called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Rivers State crisis due to its potential threats to national stability. The President acknowledged their concerns, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the rule of law and implementing court decisions to secure peace. Further, the ongoing infrastructure projects were framed as avenues for economic growth. The collaboration between the leadership and the President marks a significant step toward addressing the unrest in the region.
Original Source: dailytrust.com
