The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has stepped into the intensifying political conflict in Rivers State, calling on all parties to de-escalate the situation and pursue peace for the sake of the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
PANDEF raised alarm over the ongoing feud involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, warning that the crisis could spiral into widespread disorder if urgent measures are not taken.
To tackle the situation, the Board of Trustees and the National Executive Committee of PANDEF on Friday announced the formation of a seven-member committee tasked with reconciling the political actors and restoring stability.
The committee will be chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi. Other members include Senator Obende Domingo (Vice Chairman), Chief Essien Nduese, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, Chief Mike Ejiofor, Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN), and Prince Godwin Okotie, who will serve as committee secretary.
In a joint statement signed by PANDEF’s top leaders—Alfred Diete-Spiff and Victor Attah (Co-Chairmen, Board of Trustees), along with National Chairman Godknows Igali—the organization expressed deep worry about the political atmosphere in Rivers State.
“The Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, the foremost socio-political body of the South-South region, views with serious concern the unfolding political events in Rivers State,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, these developments have escalated to the point where the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against the Governor and Deputy Governor. This is an alarming turn of events that requires immediate attention to prevent further deterioration and a collapse of law and order.”
PANDEF stressed that its concern is amplified by the vital role Rivers State plays in the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s political stability, economic structure, and national development.
The body reiterated its neutral and peace-oriented approach, describing PANDEF as a “unifying and motherly platform” for the South-South region. It urged all parties involved to prioritize dialogue, mutual respect, and political maturity.
According to the statement, all stakeholders must focus on promoting peace, safeguarding development, and protecting the welfare of Rivers people, the broader South-South population, Nigerians in general, and the significant expatriate community residing in the state.
PANDEF also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), elders in Rivers State, and other influential Nigerians for prior peace initiatives. It appealed to all concerned parties to give full support to the newly constituted reconciliation committee.
“PANDEF urges all sides to cooperate fully with this esteemed and respected group of senior Nigerians and distinguished sons and daughters of the South-South region, who are dedicating their time and expertise toward achieving a peaceful, balanced, and lasting solution through an objective and inclusive process,” the statement concluded.
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