PANDEF Calls on Tinubu to Appoint Capable Leaders for South-South Development Commission
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been encouraged by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to nominate competent and experienced people to head the recently formed South-South Development Commission, highlighting the significance of strong leadership in promoting sustainable growth in the area.
Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF’s National Chairman, released a statement in which the forum praised the President for enacting the South-South Development Commission Bill.
The National Assembly was also thanked by the group for helping to facilitate the legislative process that resulted in its prompt passage.
“This one action has increased our people’s trust in the Federal Government’s determination to promote equitable regional development throughout Nigeria,” PANDEF said. “It also affirms efforts to address the South-South region’s unique social, environmental, and developmental challenges.”
PANDEF praised the commission’s creation but emphasized that the professionalism and moral character of individuals chosen to serve as its leaders will determine its effectiveness.
In order to ensure that the commission successfully supports state governments’ initiatives to promote progress in the Niger Delta, the organization urged President Tinubu to give merit and experience top priority when choosing people to oversee its operations.
In addition, the event underlined the necessity of immediate government action to address the long-standing infrastructure deficiencies and environmental degradation in the oil-rich area.
Beyond the commission, PANDEF reaffirmed that the Federal Government must take more comprehensive action to promote economic growth and environmental restoration.
PANDEF also urged the President to step in and resolve the current political crisis in Rivers State by restoring Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly.
Concerned by their suspension, the group called for swift action to bring stability back to the state.
The statement said: “The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) expresses gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and peoples that comprise the South-South geopolitical zone, for the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, which was announced on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. The National Assembly deserves special recognition for finishing this piece of legislation on schedule.
Our people now have more faith in the Federal Government’s will to support equitable regional development nationwide, especially in addressing the unique social, environmental, and developmental issues that our region faces, thanks to this one move.
“PANDEF is hopeful that Mr. President will carefully choose qualified and experienced individuals with the necessary skills and experience to form this new Commission. This will ensure that the body plays a complementary role to our Governors’ efforts to deliver sustainable development to the region, which has been a major contributor to the Nigerian national economy’s sustenance for decades.
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Other unresolved challenges, including environmental cleanup from the detrimental effects of oil and gas production and the severe lack of basic infrastructure, which pose an existential danger to the South-South, will be given priority, PANDEF reiterates.
Last but not least, PANDEF is optimistic that, in light of the numerous nationwide appeals and sincere worries expressed by people all over the nation regarding the suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and the State Assembly, Mr. President will kindly give special attention to returning the State to its regular democratic governance by promptly recalling the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly.
We appreciate the National Assembly and President Tinubu once more for this important milestone. In the days to come, PANDEF anticipates further cooperation, advancement, and peace.
