Prominent Niger Delta leaders under the aegis of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, says the uneven spread of development across regions, with resources from the Niger Delta is responsible for agitations by youths.
While condemning the violent and restive approach of these youths, PANDEF reiterated that it would put an end to infrastructural decay, marginalisation and total neglect of the region through dialogue.
Speaking on behalf of PANDEF, at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, former Minister for Culture and Tourism and Elder Statesman, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, decried the under developed state of the region despite the release of about $29 Trillion by Oil giant, SHEL, to the Federal Government from 1960 to date .
He said the focus of PANDEF is to convey the message of constructive engagement and peace to ensure that the future of the younger generation are not mortgaged.
He opined that “Many times, because the blood of the youths is hot, they run into problem. Through the maturity and instrumentality of PANDEF, the cases of attacks on oil installations to reduce production has been brought to a halt.
“We want to be peaceful, but the government of the day must listen to our cries. We are backward in terms of development. We are changing the narrative from violent agitation to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders for sustainable development.
“We (PANDEF) were involved in ensuring that the Maritime University, which was earlier cancelled, was reinstated. We said 16-point agenda and magnanimously, they (Federal Government) said 24-point agenda.”
On his part, Elder Statesman and member of PANDEF, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, said a think-tank group has been constituted to dialogue with the Federal Government and part of their mandate is to revisit the green tree agreement, which according to him was not properly implemented.
He revealed that the group is discussing with international communities as well as the Federal government as a way of formulating a workable agreement.
The leaders urged youths in the region to exercise restraint and patience which are critical elements in the success of the struggle.
The leaders further disclosed that the leader of PANDEF Chief Edwin Clark , is expected in Port Harcourt tomorrow, ahead of a conference scheduled to hold in port Harcourt on Thursday.
National Secretary of Urhobo Youth Leaders’ Association, Chief Vincent Oyibode also spoke about PANDEF’s activities .
