By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bill recently passed by the National Assembly.

PANDEF noted that the presidential assent to the bill will further boost the confidence of the people of Niger Delta on the President Tinubu-led administration and its renewed efforts to bringing development to the oil-rich region.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, described the development as historic and laudable steps to bring succour to the region plagued by underdevelopment.

Igali, according to the statement, the establishment of the commission would address peculiar social, environmental, and developmental issues.

PANDEF similarly commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill as it will help to accelerate development in the South-South.

“On behalf of the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and peoples which make up the South-South geopolitical zone, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) conveys profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the historic signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, announcedon 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.

“PANDEF is 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 complimentary 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 the negative impact of oil and gas production as well as an acute deficit in basic infrastructure which constitute an existential threat to the South-South, would be treated as a priority.

“Finally , PANDEF is 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”, the statement added.

A heated confrontation unfolded at the National Assembly on Wednesday as security personnel blocked journalists from accessing the legislative premises.

Security agents, including the Sergeant-at-Arms and police officers, cited “orders from above” as their reason for preventing entry, insisting that only those with accredited identity cards could proceed into the White House complex.

Journalists attempted to clarify that the National Assembly’s Information Department had not yet issued permanent ID cards, but their appeals were ignored. Even those with temporary accreditation were denied access despite efforts to negotiate.

The situation escalated when security officers resorted to verbal harassment and physical aggression. The first casualty was Nicholas Kalu of ‘The Nation Newspapers” Secretary of the House of Representatives Press Corps, who was assaulted during the standoff. Additionally, Tolu Akinyemi of SuperScreen Television had her phone seized by the officers.

When reached for comments, officials from the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly distanced themselves from the directive, denying any involvement.

This directive might not be unconnected to the recent face-off between former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North Senatorial District) at a hearing by Senate Committee on Ethics on sexual harassment allegations involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday in Abuja.

More updates to follow…

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, was honored today, Wednesday, as members of the National Assembly New Media Forum paid him a congratulatory visit to celebrate his 59th birthday.

Led by its Chairman, Clement Chibuike, the forum engaged in discussions with Hon. Chinda, acknowledging his dedication to legislative excellence and national development.

During the visit, he granted an exclusive interview, reflecting on his political journey, legislative priorities, and commitment to effective representation.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a gigantic birthday card to Hon. Kingsley Chinda by the forum, a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his leadership and contributions to democracy.