14
Jun
Jun
PANDEF URGES TINUBU, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO RESTORE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN RIVERS STATE
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CapitalTimesNews / 1 week
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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has congratulated Nigerians on 26 years of uninterrupted democratic journey, while urging President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, PANDEF expressed deep concern over the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which has created an environment of instability and uncertainty affecting everyday citizens. PANDEF commended President Tinubu for granting a state pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, describing it as a significant step toward national reconciliation. The group noted that while successive administrations have made strides toward delivering socio-economic dividends of democracy, the journey remains challenging, particularly for ordinary Nigerians facing issues like food insecurity, poor healthcare, inadequate education, and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. The group’s statement highlighted the contradiction between the noble ideals of June 12 and the current situation in Rivers State, which it described as “creeping authoritarianism.” “The people of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta are being subjected to the erosion of democratic institutions and principles of good governance. This portends grave implications for our collective democratic achievements as a country,” Igali said. PANDEF called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, to intervene swiftly to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. “The prolonged political crisis in the state has created instability that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens,” Igali stressed. The group also appealed to all principal political actors and their supporters in Rivers State to “lay down their arms” and embrace peace, citing Ecclesiastes 3:8, “There is a time to hate and a time to love, a time for war and a time for peace. The time for love and peace has come, in solemn honor of the memories of the heroes and martyrs of June 12.” PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to championing accountable, people-driven governance in Rivers State and supporting efforts to realize the foundational ideals of Nigeria’s democracy.
