ONGOING: Tinubu Holds Closed-Door Meeting with PANDEF Leaders at Aso Villa

President Bola Tinubu met with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Tuesday at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja. The closed-door meeting, which began at 4:15 p.m. local time, was part of ongoing engagements between the government and Niger Delta stakeholders.

PANDEF, founded by the late elder statesman Edwin Clark, represents traditional rulers, leaders, and stakeholders from the coastal states of the Niger Delta. Before discussions commenced, President Tinubu requested a minute of silence in Clark’s honor, acknowledging his contributions to the region.

The meeting is one in a series of dialogues between the President and leaders from the Niger Delta. Earlier in the year, on January 21, 2025, Tinubu held a similar closed-door session with key stakeholders from Rivers State, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Governor Nyesom Wike, and leaders from Ogoni communities. That discussion focused on the Ogoni cleanup project and broader environmental and developmental challenges in the region.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing longstanding issues, stating, “We can’t heal past wounds if we continue to be angry.” His remarks underscored the administration’s efforts to foster reconciliation and progress in the region.

According to the meeting’s agenda, remarks were expected from King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and Co-Chairman Obong Victor Attah. PANDEF’s National Chairman, Godknows Igali, was also scheduled to speak before President Tinubu responded to the forum’s concerns.

Several prominent figures attended the meeting, including Senator Seriake Dickson, Professor Mike Ozakhome, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and former Rivers Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru. Also present were former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director Timi Alaibe, Jaja of Opobo Professor Dandeson Jaja, and former NDDC acting Managing Director Ibim Semenitari.

Other attendees included Senators Ita Enang, Bassey Henshaw, and Andrew Uchendu, as well as Uche Secondus, Okareme Maikpobi, Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs, and PANDEF spokesman Chief Obiwevbi Ominimini.

The closed-door discussions are expected to focus on key issues affecting the Niger Delta, including resource control, environmental remediation, and infrastructure development. Tinubu’s continued engagement with regional leaders signals his administration’s intent to address the concerns of the oil-producing region and promote sustainable development. Further details from the meeting may emerge in the coming days.