The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, in recognition of his “invaluable contributions to national unity and development.”
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an enlarged National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Forum held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Benin City, Edo State.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Ambassador Godknows Igali (National Chairman), Professor Alfred Ehigiegba (Edo State Chairman), and Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini (National Publicity Secretary).
The meeting presided over by Ambassador Igali, was attended by state chairmen from Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, and Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for their roles in restoring democratic institutions and stability in Rivers State.
The regional body however expressed deep concern over what it described as the “worsening neglect of critical infrastructure” in the Niger Delta.
It lamented the deplorable state of the East–West Road—particularly the Benin–Warri axis—as well as other major highways such as the Benin–Auchi and Calabar–Itu roads.
The Forum also condemned the abandonment of the Ujevwu–Itakpe railway line linking Delta and Kogi States, contrasting it with the swift repairs carried out on the Abuja–Kaduna line.
“It is disheartening that federal projects in the Niger Delta are often left unattended, as if the region does not matter in Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.
PANDEF further called for the urgent rehabilitation and reopening of all seaports in the South-South region—including Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, Sapele, Burutu, and Koko—to boost economic activity and improve the per capita income of the people.
