TheCable

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Sunday condemned the quit notice issued to the Hausa and Yoruba in the Niger Delta by militants, saying it should be ignored.

On Thursday, leaders of the coalition of Niger Delta Agitators (NDA) had asked the two ethnic groups to leave the oil-rich region on or before October 1.

They had also resolved to resume attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta amid ongoing peace talks between the region and the federal government.

But PANDEF said the threat should be dismissed while describing it as “most irresponsible” coming from the militants.

In a statement issued by Alfred Mulade, its coordinating secretary, PANDEF reiterated its commitment to the attainment of peace and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

“PANDEF, therefore, wishes to advise all law abiding persons from any section of the country, irrespective of tribe, creed or political affiliation, to remain calm, and go about their lawful endeavours, without fear of molestation, as everything is being done to ensure their safety and protection,” the statement read.

“This call, coming at a time when PANDEF leadership and stakeholders had a very useful meeting with Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, at the inter-ministerial committee on the Niger Delta, a few days earlier, is certainly not an attractive venture. Indeed, this group should know that there is no basis for this kind of this action; it is most irresponsible and should be discountenanced.

“PANDEF, therefore, urges all our compatriots in the Niger Delta Region, particularly the youths to remain calm, patient and patriotic, as we re-double our efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the challenges in the region, including the restructuring of the country along the lines of fiscal federalism.”

The statement added that as a follow-up to its meeting with Osinbajo, the group will soon be meeting with relevant stakeholders to discuss issues regarding the development of the region.