By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Pan Niger Delta Forum(PANDEF) has warned proponents of the Biafra Republic against lumping the Niger Delta or South-South geopolitical zone together with states from the Southeast in their secessionist agenda.
PANDEF issued the warning in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, signed by its National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha, and sent to journalists.
According to the statement, the apex socio-political body of the Niger Delta distanced itself from agitation for creation of an Independent State Of Biafra.
The statement stressed that PANDEF is committed to a united Nigeria built on equality and justice for all citizens.
“We therefore warn that the continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities into the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative and tantamount to an insult to the leaders of the Niger Delta region,” the statement read.
Donyegha stressed that the youths of the Niger Delta would resist any attempt to incorporate the region into the secessionist agenda.
“Any further attempt to disregard or belittle our leaders with provocative publications or pronouncements about the Biafra Republic, including Niger Delta towns or territories, will meet strong resistance from us, the youths.
“They are hereby warned to desist from it. The Niger Delta is not Biafra. PANDEF believes in a united Nigeria where no citizen is treated as second-class,” he added.
The forum reiterated its vision of a Nigeria where subnational entities control their resources and remit taxes to the federal government for essential services, including homeland security, territorial integrity, and international diplomacy.
“We strongly believe that Nigeria can only achieve her potential through these principles. PANDEF remains committed to engaging both federal and state governments to ensure the vision of our founding fathers is realised,” Donyegha stated.
Highlighting the Niger Delta region’s historical stance, he noted that while the 1963 Constitution provided a framework for true federalism, subsequent military coups and the 1999 Constitution represented a departure from those ideals.
The forum also praised its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, describing him as an intellectual of international repute, underscoring PANDEF’s credibility and dedication to its cause.
In conclusion, PANDEF called on Nigerians and the international community to recognise and respect the Niger Delta’s stance against being included in any secessionist agenda.
“We believe this caution and warning will serve as a wake-up call to agitators, whether within Nigeria or abroad, to act responsibly and refrain from provocative actions and behaviours,” the statement added.
