The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has kicked over omission of Nigeria Delta Affairs Minister designate in the list of recent portfolios released by President Bola Tinubu.

The Forum, rising from an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Executive Committee held in Abuja, on Friday, which was chaired by the National Leader, Chief Dr. E. K. Clark, expressed surprise that in the published assignment of Ministers to their various cabinet portfolios, there is none designated for the existing Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

The meeting which also had in attendance was the National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, members of the Board of Trustees, as well as National and State Officers.

cautioned that any misguided step towards scrapping or submerging the Ministry will create an unfavourable environment with adverse consequences.

The Forum reminds Mr. President that the Ministry of Niger Delta was created, specifically, to “focus on infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of youths in the oil-rich Niger Delta region,” which continues to be greatly impacted by the oil and gas industry, and remains the live-wire of the national economy.

It noted that the Ministry which was created by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008, and was sustained under his two immediate predecessors (Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari) to help advance the course of the peace in the Niger Delta region.

It cautions the Federal Government to desist from tampering with any institution(s), which along with the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, have been flagship institution(s), to ensure peace and development in the Niger Delta region.

“We are hopeful that the federal government will be properly advised on this matter, even as we reiterate the commitment of the leadership of PANDEF and the people of the region to enduring the reign of peace and stability in the overall interest of country,” the communiqué added. (Daily Independent)

•Chief Dr. E. K. Clark

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