Independent NG
Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on the Federal Government to declare the inflammatory statement by Sheikh Gumi as hate speech.
The socio-cultural organization frowned at the statement by the religious leader concerning the activities of terrorists, including inciting them against Christian soldiers and equating them with Niger Delta agitators, and urged the government to declare the comment as “Hate Speech” and take urgent measures to call him to order.
PANDEF made the statement at a meeting of the board of trustees on Wednesday where it focused on filling positions in the National Executive Committee.
Expressing concern over insecurity, the BOT condemned the expanding activities of Boko Haram, attacks by bandits, rampaging activities of Fulani herdsmen and the recent upsurge in the kidnapping of students in Kakara, Niger State and Jangebe, Zamfara State. It however, commended the effort of security officers in securing the release of some of the abducted persons but called on the Federal Government to redouble efforts to its constitutional obligation to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.
PANDEF said it would work closely with the Governors of the South-South and Community Leaders to ensure that it puts appropriate security architecture in place to safeguard Niger Delta people by lawful means.
As regards threats by the Association of Farmers and Cattle Breeders, the organization warned them not to cause a chain of social and economic upheaval in the country. “We remind those behind such an agenda to remember that other regions also can enforce similar blockades of other critical natural resources and produce. We also charge our Governors and people of our region to show more commitment to agriculture and food security. The South-South has never depended on food supplies from other parts of the country and with more commitment; such a bluff regarding food supply blockade will be of no serious impact.” PANDEF noted.
The BOT approved the nominations and election of Co-Chairmen of BOT, His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR, former Military Governor of old Rivers State, His Excellency, Arc (Obong) Victor Attah, CON, former Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State National Chairman Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Deputy National Chairman, Chief T.K. Okorotie, National Youth Leader Hon. Bello Bina, National Director of Research, Chief (Dr.) Whiskey Ayakeme. Ex-Officio Member National (NEC) and a host of others.
This Story first Appeared At The Independent NG
