The Non Allotment Of Minister To N/D Ministry.

 

 The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed surprised that no minister was allocated to the ministry of Niger Delta  Affairs in the just released ministerial list.

In a communique issued on Friday  after an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Executive Commiitee of Pan Niger Delta Forum  (PANDEF) held in Abuja and  chaired by Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, OFR, CON  and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE

National Chairman,  the group regretted  the omission of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

 PANDEF however reminds  the  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.

The Communique read " PANDEF has 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.

"PANDEF is reminding 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.

" PANDEF cautions that any misguided step toward SCRAPPING OR SUBMERGING the Ministry,  will create an unfavorable environment with adverse consequences.

"PANDEF further cautions the federal government to desist from tampering with any  institutions which along with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs have been flagship institutions, 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 country.