PANDEF Honours Fubara, Dickson As Statesmen of the South-South @ 51 and 60






By Blessing Vwerokor

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has formally honoured Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, describing them as statesmen of the South-South whose leadership footprints continue to define governance, peace, and democratic stability in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

In a congratulatory message released by PANDEF and endorsed by its National Chairman, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, the Forum said the 51st and 60th birthday anniversaries of Governor Fubara and Senator Dickson respectively provide a fitting moment for reflection on leadership that transcends power and speaks to service, legacy, and nation-building.

PANDEF noted that the recognition comes at a sober period in the history of the Niger Delta, yet one that demands celebration of exemplary leadership and principled public service capable of inspiring younger generations across the region.

Fubara at 51: A New Generation of Statesmanship

According to PANDEF, Governor Siminalayi Fubara at 51 represents a new generation of leadership anchored on decisiveness, humility, and people-oriented governance. The Forum noted that his administration has introduced a renewed sense of stability and confidence in Rivers State, accelerating development through policies executed with uncommon speed and clarity of purpose.

PANDEF said Rivers State has, under Fubara’s watch, continued to consolidate its status as a major hub of economic growth and political stability, applauding the Governor’s emphasis on inclusive governance, peace-building, and institutional strengthening.

Dickson at 60: Experience, Courage and Moral Authority

Honouring Senator Seriake Dickson at 60, PANDEF described his public service career as a model of courage, intellectual depth, and principled leadership. From his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State to his current role in the Senate, the Forum said Dickson has remained a steadfast advocate of constitutionalism, justice, and democratic accountability.

The statement described the Senator as a moral compass in national politics, whose voice continues to provide balance, candour, and clarity in legislative and national conversations.

Statesmen Beyond Office

PANDEF emphasized that the honour bestowed on Governor Fubara and Senator Dickson goes beyond their current and past offices, noting that both leaders have demonstrated the rare capacity to place regional peace, national unity, and democratic values above personal or partisan interests.

Their individual and collective contributions, the Forum said, have strengthened the South-South as a zone of dialogue, resilience, and progressive leadership within the Nigerian federation.

Commendation and Prayers

The Forum also used the occasion to commend other selfless leaders and citizens of the Niger Delta whose quiet sacrifices continue to support peace and development across the region.

Concluding the message, PANDEF conveyed its prayers for the continued guidance, strength, and wisdom of Almighty God upon Governor Fubara and Senator Dickson, expressing hope that their years ahead will deliver even greater service to the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The message was dated 28th January, 2026, reaffirming PANDEF’s role as a rallying platform for unity, statesmanship, and sustainable development in the South-South.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Delta Attorney General Swears in Okumagba as New National President of the Association of Justices of the Peace ***** Okumagba Unveils 7-Pillars Reform Agenda

PTI Defends Its Reputation Against Misleading Sahara Media Report By Wilson Macaulay Effurun, Delta State July 12 2025 The Management of the prestigious Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has vehemently refuted a sensational and malicious report published by Sahara Reporters on July 10, 2025, which alleged that students of the foremost oil and gas institution study in “flooded classrooms and snake-infested hostels” despite a ₦39 billion budget. Describing the publication as “baseless, mischievous, and an orchestrated attempt to malign the integrity of the institution,” PTI Management said the report is not only factually inaccurate but also a deliberate attack on the hard-earned reputation and progress of the institution under its current leadership. In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the management declared: > “There are absolutely no flooded classrooms or snake-infested hostels within the Institute. These claims are complete fabrications devoid of any evidence or truth.” Management further challenged Sahara Reporters to produce any verifiable photographic or video proof to substantiate its claims. > “If such conditions exist as alleged, Sahara Reporters should have no difficulty presenting concrete evidence. Until then, their report remains a reckless misrepresentation aimed at misleading the public.” PTI clarified that all its lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and hostels are structurally sound, properly ventilated, electrically powered, and routinely maintained. The Institute prides itself on maintaining a safe and conducive academic environment for learning, innovation, and professional development in the oil and gas sector. The management in clear terms described the publication as the work of “unscrupulous elements seeking to sow discord and cast aspersions on the steady infrastructural development PTI has recorded in recent years.” As a center of excellence in petroleum training and manpower development, PTI has, under its current administration, seen remarkable transformation in terms of physical infrastructure, digital modernization, and student welfare programs. The Institute continues to attract local and international recognition for its cutting-edge research and high-impact training curriculum. While assuring stakeholders, parents, and the general public of its unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its students, the management reiterated its call for responsible journalism and urged media practitioners to verify facts before rushing to publication. “We remain focused on our mandate and will not be distracted by smear campaigns designed to derail our progress.”

Patani Remembers Magdalene as High Chief (Dr) Egukawhore Celebrates His Mother’s 5-Year Memorial."