NEWS
Clark’s PANDEF, Reconciles With Other Pro-Niger Delta Groups, Insists On Dialogue
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Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark-led group, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has reconciled all difference with other pro-NigerDelta groups including Pan-Niger Delta People’s Congress (PNDPC) which recently broke away to form a splinter group.
BigPen Online gathered that the reconciliation was affirmed today (Tuesday) in Warri, Delta state following an earlier close door meeting held over the weekend at Kiagbodo, Burutu local council, Delta state, where the groups agreed to work together again for the good of the Niger Delta.
The reconciliation is coming on the backdrop of the disruption of the PANDEF meeting in Port Harcourt by suspected militants loyal to PANDEF’s splinter group.
BjgPen Online recalls that one of the splinter group, Pan-Niger Delta People’s Congress (PNDPC) led by Chief Mike Loyibo and Pere Ayemi Botu had broke away from PANDEF two months ago alleging that the Clark-led PANDEF had lost its credibility to represent the region.
The group also cited inaction of PANDEF in the negotiation process with the federal government as one of the reason for breaking away.
However, after hours of deliberations in the meeting heralding today’s meeting, both parties emerged exchanging pleasantries and promised to work together for the development of the region.
Speaking after the reconciliation meeting the leader of the splinter group PNDPC, Chief Loyibo said they broke away from PANDEF but are back now.
He said: “There was a disagreement in the leadership of PANDEF because of some problems and we broke out of PANDEF. But today we are back. The only way we can make progress is to come together. So, from today there is no more PNDPC and there is one leader of PANDEF which is Chief E.K. Clark. If we are divided there will be no development for our people. We have decided to collapse PNDPC and work with PANDEF.
Responding the convener of the reconciliation meeting, Clark, said the PANDEF is the body uniting and speaking for the Niger Delta region just like Afenifere in South West, Ohanaeze in South East and the Arewa Forum in the North.
“We have now met and have decided to come together and move together and use the possibility to tell the FG to see us as one not to cause division amongst us.
“We want to reemphasize that PANDEF is not an Ijaw affair but that of all the ethnic groups in the Niger Delta and we should work together and not allow anyone divide us”, Clark said.
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Alowei Broderick Bozimo said the reconciliation was not brought about because of the PANDEF meeting today in Warri but a painstaking effort begun few months ago. He said the Niger Delta must speak with one voice to get respect from the presidency and other regions of the country.
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