Regional
PANDEF Condoles With The People And Goverment Of Delta State Over Death Of Former Deputy Governor
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Benjamin Elue, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the South-South region and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence letter signed by its National Chairman, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, the leadership of PANDEF said it received the news of Elue’s demise “with shock and grief,” noting that although he lived to the age of 85, his exit remains painful.
“The Board of Trustees and National Executive Council of PANDEF has received with shock and grief, news of the death of the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Benjamin Elue,” the statement read. “Although he attained the age of 85 years, we nonetheless mourn his irreplaceable exit at this material time.”
PANDEF extolled the late statesman’s character and contributions to public life, describing him as a man who embodied integrity, diligence and deep faith.
“During his earthly sojourn Chief Elue displayed the highest and finest virtues of humankind. In his private and public conduct, he has left behind a legacy of integrity, fear of God, hardwork and diligence,” the Forum stated.
Reflecting on his tenure as Deputy Governor during the administration of Chief James Ibori, PANDEF credited Elue with strengthening governance and fostering development in Delta State.
“While he served Deputy Governor of Delta State… he [was a] great bedrock for political stability and dependable support for socio-economic development. The humility and maturity which he brought into governance became an exemplar for all of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large,” the statement noted.
The regional body further lamented that “the entire South-South geopolitical zone has indeed lost one of its most illustrious and resourceful citizens,” underscoring the late leader’s far-reaching impact beyond Delta State.
Drawing comfort from scripture, PANDEF added: “We are comforted by the assurance that ‘to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord’ (2 Corinthians 5:8). Herein lies our shared faith.”
The Forum extended its condolences to the Elue family, the people of Aniocha North Local Government Area, and the government and people of Delta State, praying that his soul finds eternal rest.
Benjamin Elue’s passing marks the end of an era in Delta State politics, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the Niger Delta and beyond.
* Over 2,000 Bibles Distributed at the Event
By Divine Perezide,
Lagos, Nigeria – Concerned mothers from the Niger Delta region have gathered in Lagos for a special spiritual deliverance prayer service, seeking divine intervention for the governors of the region. The event, tagged the “Niger Delta Governors Spiritual Deliverance Service Day,” is currently taking place at the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) Office.
Organized by the National Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, Comrade Joseph Evah, the prayer service aims to seek divine guidance and wisdom for the governors of the Niger Delta states, including Senator Duoye Diri (Bayelsa State), Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State), Bassey Otu (Cross River State), Sen. Monday Okpebholo (Edo State), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State).
Speaking at the event, Evah emphasized the need for visionary leadership in the region, drawing inspiration from past governors who championed development. “We are inspired by the legacy of the region’s founding governors, such as HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, Chief Udokobo Jacob Esuene, and Chief Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, who drove development and industrialization in the region in the nascent days of Nigeria,” he said.
IduwiniVoice staff correspondent Tama Perety reports that over 2,000 Bibles were distributed during the service. The prayers focused on asking for economic wisdom and a patriotic spirit among the current governors, as the region faces severe challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, and environmental degradation.
Evah and the participating mothers expressed their hope that the spiritual exercise would inspire the governors to take bold steps in addressing the issues plaguing the Niger Delta. Quoting from the event’s advertorial, Evah stated, “A mother’s prayer is the solution to her children’s predicament.”
The organizers remain optimistic that the prayers of the mothers will bring about a positive transformation in the region’s leadership, ultimately leading to development and prosperity for the Niger Delta.