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.