Lucky Omas
16 December 2018, Sweetcrude, Warri, Delta State — Civil society groups in Delta state have dismissed as untrue the allegation by the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, that the federal government has abandoned its Strategic Implementation Work Plan, SIWP, for the Niger Delta region.
A statement in Warri by Delta Civil Society for Good Governance said the program was running, adding that it has a short, middle and long-term development plan for the Niger Delta region.
The group said various workshop sessions facilitated by the office of Vice President Yemi Osibanjo on developing the region within the SIWP agenda have been holding in the region with some attended by representatives of PANDEF.
“We believe the implementation of the SIWP as a working document is a process and we are well informed that much work has already gone into this, with high-level consultations, while critical projects have already been identified.
We have been assured that the Inter-Ministerial Committee is liaising with the relevant government agencies, the private sector, and stakeholders on the SIWP implementation, and the Vice President and Federal Executive Council will be briefed on the outcome for approval.
This administration has so far shown the commitment that it listens to the people of the Niger Delta and would effectively address our issues.
The New Vision and the SWIP is a demonstration of that commitment to peace and development in the region. There are challenges, no doubt, but we must acknowledge the work is being done through the Niger Delta New Vision for the region’s development.”, the group said.
The group in its statement signed by Mr. Edewor Egedegbe, Dr. Agboro Andrew, Voke Ighorodje, Prof Tony Akpoborie, and others enjoined PANDEF and other stakeholders to support the federal government to achieve its vision of development for the region.
“We urge PANDEF and other stakeholders in the region to support the Federal Government’s efforts as we all join hands to develop our dear Niger Delta region, and nation”, the group said.
