US Dialogue with PANDEF on Agitations in Niger Delta

By Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A delegation from the United States Consulate in Nigeria Tuesday night met with the leadership of the Chief Edwin Clark-led Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) and other stakeholders towards finding a lasting solution to the lingering agitation from the region.

The US team, which was comprised of the Political/Economic chief of the US Consulate, Osman Tat, and Political Officer, Mania Daydombo from the American Embassy in Nigeria, met with the stakeholders at the residence of elderstatesman and former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, in Warri.

Tat told the gathering that the visit was to have first hand knowledge of the concerns, grievances and tension that exist in the Niger Delta.

“I am here to establish relationship with the people of Niger Delta. I am here to hear from you what your concerns are, the challenges, some of the tension that has exist. I will like to listen to you and know what your concerns are, your plan for the future and your plans for 2019 elections,” he said.

Responding, the leader of PANDEF, Bozimo, who said the Nigerian nation has not been fair to the people of the Niger Delta region, lamented that the federal government has been denying the people of the region of their God-given resources and use the resources to develop the northern region.

Details later…