The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State on their emergence as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the South South Governors Forum. In a statement, PANDEF expressed its joy and confidence in the leadership qualities of the duo, saying their emergence is a clear demonstration of the trust reposed in them by their colleagues.

PANDEF Spokesman, Olorogun (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini Ph.D, stated that the South South region is in dire need of regional collaboration on various aspects of development, including regional security architecture, transportation mechanisms, and regional marine transportation. He noted that the emergence of Governors Diri and Otu as leaders of the forum will bring succour to the aspirations of the people of the devastated Niger Delta Region. “The emergence of this present leadership of the South South Governors forum is completely believed to be competent enough as tested political Leaders who have both Legislative and Executive experiences,” Olorogun (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini Ph.D said.

PANDEF believes that the new leadership will make a significant difference, given their practical expertise in governance. Ominimini noted that the South South Governors forum is responsible for the creation of the BRACED commission, but it has not been properly funded. He expressed hope that the new leadership will address this issue and fast-track the development of the region. “PANDEF therefore promises to work very closely with this new leadership of the South South Governors forum in order to fast track speedy development of the Region,” Ominimini said.