PANDEF/PNDPC face-off: NIDCA describes parties as ‘stomach activists,’

By Ochuko Akuopha

OLEH—NIGER Delta Consultative Assembly, NIDCA, yesterday, described some Niger Delta activists as ‘stomach activists,’ urging the Federal Government to, henceforth, deal directly with stakeholders of the ethnic nationalities of the nine oil-producing states in the country in its quest to find lasting solutions to the problems of the Niger Delta region.

However, reacting to the face-off between Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and Pan Niger Delta Peoples’ Congress, PNDPC, Chairman of NIDCA, Chief Fred Obe, told the people of the Niger Delta to continue to accord honour and respect to elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, as leader of the region “having stood firmly for the region through thick and thin.”

Obe said: “The controversy between PANDEF and PNDPC has shown that most of the characters presently parading themselves as Niger Delta activists are merely stomach activists.

“You can liken them to activists of the June 12 election agitation then, who when they say ‘on June 12 we stand,’ actually meant ‘on June 12 we chop.’ They have prophesied with the prophets and at the same time still find time to dine with witches in the resolution of the Niger Delta question.

“None of these groups should be given any recognition in trying to solve the Niger Delta question as they will rather compound the situation in the region. Apart from a few credible leaders who are a negligible minority that have in truth and fact championed the Niger Delta cause, most of the agitations are for selfish interests.

“Government should directly engage and interface with the real owners of Niger Delta wealth in the creeks and hinterland.”

 

The post PANDEF/PNDPC face-off: NIDCA describes parties as ‘stomach activists,’ appeared first on Vanguard News.