–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:
The Forum of Ethnic Nationalities of Niger Delta (FENND) has, at the weekend held its inaugural meeting that culminated to lecture on ‘water resources’ to streamline the purpose of the forum, have orientation of the Water Resources Bill, Petroleum Industry Bill and other matters affecting the Niger Delta region.
The parley was held at Dantinajo Gold resort Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.
Speaking to Journalists, the convener of the forum, Barrister Dortimi kester Tawari stated that, members of the forum deliberated on the constitution, objectives and strategy on how to achieve the goals, adding that the lecture revealed overview of the water resources bill and overt understanding to enforce the resolution.
Tawari noted that the inaugural meeting and lecture has given members commitment and focus, emphasizing that the impact of water resources bill presented by the Minister of Water Resources to the National Assembly on the Niger Delta, will be x-rayed and published accordingly.
He maintained that expression on how the people of the Niger Delta feel over their God given natural resources scientifically and technically will emerge through resolutions, adding that the meeting has created platforms that will enable the Forum speak with other organizations and regions in Nigeria that are affected by the proposed bill.
According to Barrister Tawari, the purpose of the Forum is to partner organizations and build concession to get ideas towards positive debate that can give the Niger Delta the way forward for the good of the region.
He opined that the Minster of Water Resources ought to be knowledgeable about the implication of the bill on the Niger Delta people.
He stated that the bill has grey areas which must be made public and not kept secret from the Niger Delta people, noting that “River Niger and River Benue flows down to the region and the Niger Delta people are the recipients of the two rivers”.
Tawari stressed that the people will feel the impact because of the region’s location.
Tawari added that the lawmakers ought to know facts as it affects the people before passing a bill that have no good intentions for the Niger Delta.
He noted that the water resources bill affects the existentiality of the people that are the original owner of the water region.
He stressed that the bill will have negative impact on the Niger Delta region, which according to him will be unacceptable to the people.
Members of the Forum at the inaugural meeting and Lecture include, Dr. Ekanem Inyang, Chief Dan Odhomo, High Chief (Engr.) Aneru Izuagbe, Professor Chris Akpotu, Chief Emmanuel O. Uti and Professor Tony Akpoborie. The president General of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe was the chief hosts of the program.
