File photo: Edwin Clark
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has rejected the proposed setting up of cattle colony in various states by the Federal Government.
PANDEF, after an emergency general assembly which held on Thursday in Delta State, told the government that people of the Niger Delta have no land for such purpose.
The meeting was chaired by the national leader of the group and elder statesman, Edwin Clarke, and attended by leaders of the forum from the six states in the region – comprising of traditional rulers, political leaders, academics and activists among others.
Issues bordered on the state of the nation and the current happenings in the Niger Delta, with reference to the threat earlier issued by the Niger Delta Avengers on their plan to resume hostilities.
They, however, urged the people of the region, especially the youths to continue to exercise patience even in the face of the recent clash between herdsmen and farmers.
After hours of exhaustive deliberations, the assembly, in a communique, condoled with the people of Benue State and others whose communities have suffered killings by suspected herdsmen.
“We reject the idea of setting up cattle colonies around the country and advise the Federal Government to handle this sensitive matter with tact and treat the issue of animal husbandry as a commercial transaction which should be left in the hands of relevant stakeholders,” the statement stated.
The communique also highlighted the call for restructuring, the use of the 13% derivative to states in the region, as well as concerns for the pace with which the government handles matters pertaining to the region.
“The slow pace at which the Federal Government continues to handle matters pertaining to the Niger Delta, especially the implementation of the 16-point agenda submitted since the 1st of November, 2016.
“(The group) condemned, in particular, the continued refusal of international and national oil companies to show presence in the Niger Delta, including moving their operational and administrative offices to the region.
“We call on Niger Delta political leaders and leadership of intervention agencies such as NDDC and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to show greater accountability in managing resources allocated for various programmes,” the statement added.
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