Press Release
NIGER DELTANS IN DIASPORA - HOLLAND CHAPTER:
NIGER DELTA SUMMIT: CHIEF E. K. CLARK IS OUR CHIOCE TO CO-CHAIR THE STEERING
COMMITTEE:
In line with the on-going public debate about the appointment of Dr.
Ibrahim Gambari as the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Niger
Delta Summit proposed by the President and subsequent rejection of this
appointment by the peoples of the region, in an emergency meeting of Niger
Deltans in Diaspora – Holland Chapter - under the distinguished
Chairmanship of Dr. Samsom Odugala, on Sunday, the 06th of July 2008, at
The Niger Delta House, Amsterdam – Holland;
We the Niger Deltans in Diaspora - Holland Chapter do hereby make the
following submissions/recommendations to the Federal Government and should
be noted for the public records:
That we applaud the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on his
recent comments that its was the Vice-President – Dr. Goodluck Jonathan,
being a son of the region - that recommended Dr. Ibrahim Gambari to Chair
the Steering Committee of the proposed summit.
That we note with deep sense of understanding, the remorse in the
Vice-President to have made such a major political miscalculation by
nominating such a polarising figure to head a summit that is so sensitive
to the peoples and thus development of the region. This we observed, was
due to lack of consultations with elders, leaders and stakeholders of the
region.
In appreciation that discussions will have to be held on a way forward, we
wish to make it clear that the idea of looking for people from outside of
the region to head the summit, will not be acceptable to the peoples of
the Niger Delta region.
In the search for people that will head the Summit, the region has been
well blessed with a lot of intellects from all walks of life amongst who
is Chief, Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark that has gained international political
status through his relentless and fearless fight for the advancement and
development of the Niger Delta region and its peoples. He lives and has
fought for the Niger Delta course all his life. It is an undoubting fact
that he feels the pains of the peoples and have duly paid their dues as a
regional leader. It will not be out of proportion to say that he has a
deep sense of appreciation and understanding of the issues that relate to
the Niger Delta region.
He happens to be the only leader with such an outstanding integrity that
enjoys the confidence of all, across the region.
PRAYER:
We therefore recommend that Chief, Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark be made to
Co-Chair the Steering Committee with anyone of the-like status from any
other region in the country, to gain the confidence of all the peoples of
the Niger Delta region.
SIGNED:
Prince Enahoro Edwin Erijoh
Secretary
+31 616 095 112