PANDEF Query President Tinubu Over Move To Scrap Niger Delta Affairs Ministry

By Akinwale Kasali

Foremost South South Group, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has queried President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his failure to name a Minister to pilot the affairs of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.

The Group, on Friday, cautioned President Tinubu against the alleged plan to either scrap or merge the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs with another Ministry.

PANDEF, an umbrella body of ethnic nationalities in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, also called on President Tinubu to urgently address the non-appointment of a Minister to man the Ministry.

In a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Committee, PANDEF warned against tampering with institutions created to foster peace and development in the Region.

Part of the communique reads:

“PANDEF expresses great surprise that in the published assignment of Ministers to their various cabinet portfolios, there is none designated for the existing Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Reminds Mr. President that the Ministry of Niger Delta was created, specifically, to “focus on infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region”, which continues to be greatly impacted by the oil and gas industry, and remains the live-wire of the national economy.

“That the Ministry which was created by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008, and was sustained under his two immediate predecessors (Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari) to help advance the course of the peace in the Niger Delta region.

“Therefore, calls on Mr. President to urgently address the omission.

“Cautions that any misguided step toward scrapping or submerging the Ministry, will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.

“Further cautions the Federal Government to desist from tampering with any institution(s), which along with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, have been flagship institution(s), to ensure peace and development in the Niger Delta region.

“We are hopeful that the Federal Government will be properly advised on this matter, even as we reiterate the commitment of the leadership of PANDEF and the people of the region to enduring the reign of peace and stability in the overall interest of the country.”

Recall that President Tinubu,  a couple of days ago, assigned portfolios to 45 Minister-designate. None was assigned to man the Niger Delta Ministry. The appointees will be sworn-in on Monday, August 21, 2023, by the Minister.