Clark, Others To Meet In Abuja Over ‘New Niger Delta Avengers’ Threat

Clark

Leaders of the Niger Delta region under the auspices of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF are set to meet in Abuja to review the threats by militant groups to northerners as well as plans by insurgent groups to resume attacks on oil installations in the region.

This is coming as the Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark-led PENDEF on Monday appealed to militant groups to sheath their sword on the alleged plans to launch attack on oil installation in Delta State.

Only recently, the Arewa Youths in a press statement called for the relocation of the Igbos from the North.

The development was followed by wide condemnation across the nation including counter-reaction from Niger Delta militant groups which also threatened all Northerners to quit the oil-rich region.

However, a section of the militant group which had earlier threatened to attack pipelines in Delta State said Governor Ifeanyi Okowa should be blamed for the planned attacks following his alleged refusal to release the statutory allocation due the Delta oil commission, DESOPADEC.

Clark, in a statement on Monday made available to BigPen Online in reaction to an advertorial by militant group published in the dailies, expressed concern of PENDEF to the planned attacks amidst the prevailing turmoil occasioned by some ethnic agitations in the country.

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He said that PENDEF cannot afford to fold its arms going by the allegations made by the ‘New Delta Avengers’ against Okowa and coupled with their threat of destroy vital national assets, hence the quick intervention and the call for peace.

According to him, any further form of destructive action in the Niger Delta region would further put more damage to the already degraded economic and environmental conditions being suffered in the region.

Giving chronological details of efforts by the group, Clark said; “the recent visit by the Acting President to the Niger Delta region as a result of PANDEF’s visit to Mr. President on Monday, 1st November, 2016, in a Delegation of more than 100 persons including Traditional rulers, Governors, Senators, Women, Youths etc, where we submitted a 16-Point Agenda to the Federal Government, has brought relative peace and improvement in the country’s revenue earnings.

“This is coupled with some positive pronouncements by the Federal Government such as the opening of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, which is being implemented, and the promise for the establishment of Modular Refineries, pipeline surveillance and asking the oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the region, so as to engage the youths.

“It must also be placed on record that PANDEF’s position remains the equitable utilization of the 13% derivation fund which must be applied for the benefit of host communities producing oil and gas.

He further said: “PANDEF insists that the 13% Derivation which is being paid from the Federation Account is meant for the development of the oil producing communities and not to be used for any other purpose.

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“We note that this issue of 13% Derivation Fund and it’s misapplication by the State Governors started many years ago.

“We have also observed that only the Governments of Delta, Edo and Ondo States have established Commissions to manage the funds, whereas Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross River States have refused to establish such Commissions.

“Every attempt to request these State Governments to establish these Commissions and implement the purpose of the setting up of the 13% Derivation Fund have failed for over 10 years now.

“This matter was discussed extensively at our Meeting in Asaba, on the 9th of December, 2016, where our Communiqué succinctly captured the critical need for State Governments to demonstrate equitable fiscal responsibility and accountability in the running of the affairs of their various States as regards the application of the 13% Derivation Funds.

“And this is a matter we are taking up with the Niger Delta State Governors, particularly the six coastal States.

Continuing, Chief Clark said: “The issues raised by the New Delta Avengers, specifically against the Delta State Governor, will be expeditiously addressed by PANDEF promptly.

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“It is on this note that I wish to appeal to you, my Dear children of the New Delta Avengers and all other groups, on behalf of PANDEF, to withdraw your ultimatum and give peace a chance because any action taken by you/us, will no doubt have adverse national consequences and may jeopardize the seemingly good intentions of the Federal Government for the region.

“And will definitely affect the economy of the entire country and not only that of the Delta State.

“PANDEF is also working hard to ensure that all the issues raised in the 16-Point Agenda will be looked into by the the Federal Government.

“I am issuing this statement as the Convener of PANDEF and as your father, concerned about the safety, welfare and future of his children”, he added.

Written by Joe Ogbodu

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