The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly cautioned proponents of the Biafra Republic to exclude communities in the Niger Delta and South-South geopolitical zone from their secessionist agenda.
The warning was issued in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Wednesday and signed by PANDEF’s National Youth Leader, Donben Donyegha. The forum, while distancing itself from the Biafra agitation, reaffirmed its commitment to a united Nigeria founded on equality and justice for all citizens.
“The continued inclusion of PANDEF areas or communities in the so-called Biafra Republic is provocative and an insult to the leaders of the Niger Delta region,” the statement read.
Firm Stance Against Secessionist Plans
The statement emphasized that PANDEF and the people of the Niger Delta have no affiliation with the Biafra movement and will resist any attempts to annex their communities.
“The proponents of the Biafra Republic are hereby warned to desist from including communities of the Niger Delta or South-South geopolitical zone in their plans to secede from Nigeria. We, the apex socio-political body of the Niger Delta, categorically reject this agitation,” the statement said.
The forum also highlighted that any further attempts to undermine the region’s leaders or communities through publications or pronouncements would meet strong resistance from Niger Delta youths.
“Niger Delta is not Biafra. Any such provocative actions will be firmly resisted,” the statement warned.
Commitment to a Just and United Nigeria
PANDEF reiterated its belief in a united Nigeria where no citizen is treated as second-class and where states control their resources while contributing to the federal government for national security, sovereignty, and diplomacy.
“We strongly advocate for a Nigeria that operates on the principles of equity and true federalism. This is the only path to sustainable peace and development, allowing every subunit to grow at its own pace,” the statement added.
The forum also acknowledged the contributions of its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, in advancing the region’s interests and ensuring engagement with the federal and state governments to realize the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers.
Message to Nigerians and the International Community
PANDEF called on Nigerians and the international community to note its unequivocal stance that the Niger Delta is not, and will never be, part of any secessionist plans under the guise of Biafra.
“This warning is directed to agitators within and outside Nigeria. We urge them to act with maturity and refrain from including the Niger Delta in their agenda. Our region is committed to the unity and progress of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
