Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and foremost Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, have met over critical issues affecting the Niger Delta region.
The meeting, which held on Saturday, focused on the state of security especially the breakdown of law and order in some areas and the escalating tensions.
The meeting followed a recent threat by the Niger Delta Avengers to resume attacks on oil installations in the region.
Dickson said the meeting focused on steps to be taken to establish contacts with the Federal Government on the one hand and the aggrieved youths on the other as part of the the efforts to prevent a major crisis in the region.
The Governor noted in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, that the meeting also condemned the disruption of the fourth quarter general meeting of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum by security operatives in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on October 26.
The statement quoted the Governor as saying that the meeting called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disruption of the PANDEF’s meeting in Port Harcourt.
Dickson and Clark, who condemned the action of the security agencies, argued that PANDEF, like other organisations, had the right as provided for in law to hold their meetings.
The governor also called on the agencies responsible for the disruption of the meeting to tender an apology to the elders who were embarrassed by the unprovoked reaction from the agencies.
The men of the Nigeria Police had taken over the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt venue of a meeting of PANDEF led by Clark, a former minister and senator, on October 26,2017.
Up till now, no reason has been given by the security agencies for the disruption of the PANDEF meeting.
Dickson said, “Chief Edwin Clark and I just had a meeting on issues affecting the Niger Delta region. In specific terms, the meeting dwelt on the breakdown of law and order, general security and the escalating tension in the Niger Delta.
“We explored how we can step up contacts with the Federal Government on the one hand and the agitators on the other.
“We condemned the security measures taken to stop the meeting of PANDEF in Port Harcourt on October 26, 2017 and demand that the action of the security agencies should be investigated and apology tendered for what happened.
“We find the action of the security agencies unacceptable because PANDEF like every other organisation has the right to meet as enshrined in the Constitution.”
Support Quality Journalism in the Niger Delta Region
Join us in our mission to bring development journalism, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness to the forefront. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. Donate today and be a part of the change!
