JUST IN: Tinubu Meets PANDEF Leaders at Presidential Villa

President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a high-level meeting with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja. The meeting began at 4:15 p.m. upon the arrival of the President and is focused on addressing key issues affecting the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

PANDEF, established under the leadership of the late elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, who passed away in February, serves as the main voice for traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders from the coastal states of the Niger Delta. In a solemn moment before deliberations began, President Tinubu requested a minute of silence in honour of Chief Clark.

The PANDEF delegation is attending with a sizable entourage, which includes notable figures such as King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman of the Board; Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman; and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson. Also in attendance are Professor Mike Ozekhome, former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, former Rivers Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, and ex-NDDC Managing Director Timi Alaibe.

Other key figures include the Jaja of Opobo, Professor Dandeson Jaja; Senators Ita Enang, Bassey Henshaw, and Andrew Uchendu; former NDDC acting MD Ibim Semenitari; former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus; HOSTCOM Coordinator Okareme Maikpobi; Niger Delta activist Ann-Kio Briggs; and PANDEF spokesperson Chief Obiwevbi Ominimini.

From the federal government, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; and Presidential aides Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare are also present.

Discussions are expected to cover developmental challenges, security, environmental concerns, and economic interests crucial to the future of the Niger Delta. Further details will be provided as the meeting progresses.