The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the recent wave of political violence in parts of the South-South region, calling on security agencies to immediately investigate the attacks and bring those responsible to justice.
The regional socio-political organisation described the incidents in Warri/Effurun, Calabar and Asaba as disturbing, warning that violence and political thuggery have no place in the Niger Delta’s democratic culture.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF expressed concern over the attacks, especially the latest incident in Asaba on November 7, where a life was lost.
The forum said: “Indeed, as the mother body of the peoples of the region, PANDEF views these developments as a sacrilege to our peaceful co-existence in the Niger Delta and strongly condemned them.”
It added that violence, intimidation and political thuggery are against the values of the South-South people. According to the statement, “Violence, intimidation and political thuggery are alien to the spirit, values and traditions of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and political forbearance for which the people of the South-South are known. This is what we inherited from our founding fathers and MUST be sustained.”
PANDEF urged political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions capable of causing tension or violence. It stressed that leaders must guide their supporters and discourage inflammatory statements and provocative conduct.
The organisation also appealed to young people across the Niger Delta not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause trouble during the election period. It said: “PANDEF hereby makes a special appeal to the youths of the Niger Delta not to allow themselves to be used as cannon fodders, instruments of political violence, thuggery or intimidation. Our young people as primary focus of our democratic governance are the future of our region and should channel their energy and zeal towards peaceful and constructive political activism.”
The forum further called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to urgently investigate the incidents in the affected states, identify those behind the attacks and ensure they face the law.
It also advised political parties to hold rallies and large gatherings in secured venues with adequate security arrangements to reduce the risk of clashes and protect lives.
PANDEF urged all stakeholders to put the collective interest of the Niger Delta above partisan politics and work together to preserve peace, protect lives and property, and strengthen democratic values.
The group maintained that the South-South must continue to be known for peace, tolerance, mutual respect and responsible political engagement throughout the election season and beyond.