By Ahmed Rahma
A former member of the Nigerian Senate, Mr Emmanuel Ebok-Essien, has emerged as the new National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the mouthpiece of monarchs, leaders and stakeholders of the coastal states of Niger Delta.
The Akwa Ibom State lawmaker succeeds the former Military Administrator (MILAD) of Akwa Ibom State, late Idongesit Nkanga, who died of COVID-19 complications last year.
His ratification and approval of the nomination of other national officials were contained in a communiqué signed by the national leader of PANDEF, Mr Edwin Clark, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Obong Victor Attah, after a meeting of the board of trustees (BoT) on Wednesday, in Abuja.
The new PANDEF chairman represented Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the National Assembly between 1999 and 2003. He was once the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.
The new PANDEF leader was also one of the strong advocates for resource control and a strong supporter of the fight against the obnoxious onshore/offshore dichotomy in the distribution of the nation’s oil revenue.
He is the first Akwa Ibom legislator to be elected into the ECOWAS Parliament and is expected to deploy his verse knowledge acquired, over the years, to move the regional group, South-South, Niger Delta and the country forward.
The BoT also approved the nominations and elections of former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Victor Attah, as co-chairmen of PANDEF BoT.
Also, Mr T. K Okorotie from Bayelsa State was confirmed as Deputy National Chairman, Mr Bello Bina was chosen as the National Youth Leader, Mr Whiskey Ayakeme is the National Director of Research, while Mr Kalaiti Jephthah is an ex-officio member, national NEC.