PANDEF vows to re-present 16-point demand, decries failed roads in South South

<p>The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has announced its intention to re-present the 16-Point Demands, which were previously botched by the outgone Muhammadu Buhari-led regime, to the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consideration.</p>, <p>The foremost South South sociocultural group gave the hint in a communique issued at the end of an expanded National Executive Committee meeting held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Friday.</p>, <p>The communique was signed by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, in a meeting that had in attendance members of the Board of Trustees, and National and State Executive Committees. Some critical stakeholders of PANDEF also present included the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Igali; former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Colonel PAM Ogah (rtd); former Minister of Lands & Housing, Hon. Nduese Essien; former Secretary to the State Government of Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Forum, Obongawan Grace Ekong; HRM King Dr Suanu T. Y. Baridam, JP; former Director, NBC, Mr O. Mac Emakpore; Hon. Bassey Ekefre; former NNDC Director, Hon. Dr Itam Abang; Prince Okareme Maikpobi; and National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ken Robinson, among others.</p>, <p>The group commended the National Assembly for revisiting the Bakassi issue, which, it said, was of dire interest to the people, but urged the National Assembly to pursue the issue to a logical conclusion.</p>, <p>The communique read in part:</p>, <p>“Likewise, PANDEF felicitates with all the members of the 10th National Assembly from the South-South Geo-political Zone and urges them to use their various offices to foster unity, peace, and accelerate the socio-economic growth and transformation of the lives of our people.</p>, <p>“Furthermore, PANDEF reiterates its call for sustained cooperation among the different layers and strata of the political leadership in the Region, including the Governors, Members of the National A