By Hosea Parah
Following the passing of its leader, late Chief Patrick Dele Cole, in the early hours of Saturday (October 17, 2026), the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of the Pan Delta Forum (PANDEF) has declared seven days with effect from today (Monday, October 18, 2026), to mourn him.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday, and signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, OON.
”With shock and deepest pain, the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of the Pan Delta Forum (PANDEF) has received notice from the family of the passing of our leader and father, Chief PDC as he was often called died in London after a brief illness just weeks after celebrating his 86th birthday.
”A foremost national leader and statesman, Pa Cole was an ace educationist, journalist, civil servant, diplomat and politician. Some of his career high points include very impactful role as Editor-in-Chief of then national newspaper Daily Times of Nigeria, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, Presidential Candidate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Member, BOT (PDP), etc.
”He was a key figure and brougt on board his robust intellectual forte in the various socio-cultural and socio-political bodies of the Niger Delta, especially PANDEF at the time of its formation and till his demise. He was also a strong Christian Leader and an exponetor of Nigeria’s cultural legacies, especially of the peoples of the South South.
”PANDEF conveys special commiserations to his son, Rt Hon Tonye Cole, and the rest of the Cole Family, the people of Abonnena town in Kalabari Kingdom where he was a High Chief, the Ijaw nation, the government and people of Rivers State and the entire Nigerian country on this irreplaceable loss. We urge all to take solace in the gift of a worthy and distinguished life which he had.
”All chapters of PANDEF in Nigeria and Diaspora are hereby directed to put on hold all officials activities of social nature for seven days with effect from Monday, 18th October, 2026 to mourn his loss. During the period, all PANDEF media platforms should carry his image,” the statement read.