The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu for shouldering the responsibility of leadership as well as his efforts in solving pressing needs as Nigeria marks sixty-fifth independence anniversary.

PANDEF made this known in a statement titled ‘SIXTY-FIVE CHEERS TO A GREAT NATION IN NEED OF TRUE REFLECTIONS’, and signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali on Thursday.

The group also hailed “the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, and Rivers States for their sterling leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of their states and the entire South-South region.”

PANDEF stressed the need for the government to urgently address the worsening infrastructure decay in the Niger Delta, noting that the lingering neglect of vital projects such as the East-West Road, the Benin–Auchi Road, the Benin–Warri Road, and the revitalization of the southern ports in Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onne, and Warri must be decisively addressed if Nigeria is to fully harness its economic potential.

Additionally, PANDEF “reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with the Federal Government and the leadership of the Niger Delta states to ensure that our region and people play their rightful role in the affairs of the nation.”

Part of the statement reads:
“The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on behalf of the peoples of the South-South zone, warmly felicitates with the government and the entire people of Nigeria as we mark the sixty-fifth independence anniversary of our dear country, Africa’s largest democracy. We give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of this outstanding nation and the progress we have achieved despite some daunting challenges.

“We extend our special salutations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the responsibility of leadership entrusted on him at this pivotal moment in our history and acknowledge the efforts of his administration in addressing pressing various issues of national concern. We also commend the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, and Rivers States for their sterling leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of their states and the entire South-South region.

“This milestone anniversary offers us yet another opportunity to reflect on the journey of our nationhood. In that respect, we urge governments at all levels to show greater determination and respect for rule of law in consolidating democracy, pursuing meaningful economic reforms, and confronting the challenges of insecurity, poverty, hunger and youth unemployment that continue to weigh heavily on our people.”