The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has distanced itself from the proposed Biafra Republic, warning the proponents and those blowing embers of secession from Nigeria to stop including communities from the Niger Delta and the South-South geopolitical zone in their secessionist agenda.
The position of PANDEF is contained in a statement signed by PANDEF’s National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha.
In the statement, the group emphasized that the Niger Delta is not part of the Biafra Republic and will resist any further attempts to associate the region with such plans.
“We, the apex socio-political body of the Niger Delta, are not party to this agitation. The continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities in the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative and tantamount to an insult to the leaders of the Niger Delta region.
“Niger Delta is not Biafra. Any further attempt to include any towns or territories from the Niger Delta in this agitation will meet strong resistance from our youths. They are hereby warned to desist from such actions immediately,” Donyegha said.
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The group warned that Niger Delta youths will resist any effort to disregard or belittle their leaders and elders through provocative publications or pronouncements by Biafra agitators.
Reaffirming its stance in the unity of Nigeria, the group however advocated for a nation where states control their natural resources and contribute to the federal government for national security, foreign policy, and territorial integrity.
“PANDEF believes in a true Nigeria where no citizen is treated as second class. We stand for a united Nigeria, with equal opportunities for all and the autonomy of sub-national units to grow at their own pace,” the statement added.
