Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex body of the South-South geopolitical zone, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law.
The sociocultural and political organisation has in a press release on Wednesday signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, stated that the action has boosted the confidence of its people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote regional development across the country.
The statement reads, “On behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities, PANDEF conveys profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law as announced on Tuesday the 25th of March, 2025.
“We also commend the National Assembly for the timely completion of work on this piece of legislation.
“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country and; in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region.
“We’re hopeful that in setting up this new Commission, Mr. President will carefully select competent and tested hands with cognate skills and experience to ensure that this body plays its complementary role to the efforts of our Governors in delivering sustainable development to the region, which continues to contribute immensely to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades.
“PANDEF reiterates that other outstanding issues, especially environmental remediation from negative impact of oil and gas production as well as acute deficit in basic infrastructure which constitute existential threat to the South-South, would be treated as priority.
“We’re hopeful that based on the sustained nationwide appeals and genuine concerns from virtually every corner of the country over the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor and the State Assembly, Mr. President would graciously accord urgent attention to restoration of the state back to its normal democratic governance by immediately recalling the Governor, Deputy Governor and the State Assembly. “
