
By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The apex social and economic group in the South-South geopolitical zone, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has advocated collaboration among the states to tackle issues of insecurity and poor transportation system in the oil-rich region.
PANDEF, led by elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, congratulated Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his counterpart in Cross River State, Bassey Otu, on their election as Chairman and vice Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum.
The group’s spokesperson, Olorogun Obiuwevbi Ominimini, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, explained that the governors’ election was a clear demonstration of trust of leadership quality and commitment to duty reposed on them by their colleagues.
Part of the statement read, “The South-South region needs regional collaboration on many aspects of development, such as regional security architecture, transportation mechanisms such as regional railway systems, and regional marine transportation, among others.
“The emergence of the duo as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the regional governors’ forum shall in no doubt bring succor to the aspiration of the people of the devastated Niger Delta region.
“The emergence of this current leadership of the South-South Governors forum is wholly believed to be competent enough as tested political leaders who have both legislative and executive experiences to have the practical expertise of governance to bring solutions to the region’s long-term challenges.
“Governor Douye Diri and Governor Bassey Otu are rare men in a rare time like this. The South-South Governors Forum is responsible for creating the BRACED commission, but it has not been adequately funded.
“It is now our firm belief that this new leadership shall make the difference as we trust the confidence reposed on them by their colleagues in electing them as leaders of this power body.
“PANDEF, therefore, promises to work very closely with this new leadership of the South-South Governors Forum to fast-track the rapid development of the region, as our people can no longer wait for too long.
“One more, we congratulate them and pray to God Almighty to give them the enabling environment and more wisdom to succeed in this new task,” the statement added.