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By Wilson Macaulay.
(C) IgbereTV.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South geopolitical zone, has stepped decisively into the escalating political crisis in Rivers State following the State House of Assembly’s move to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
In a strongly worded statement issued after an emergency joint meeting of its Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC), PANDEF expressed deep concern over the worsening political climate in the state.
The statement was jointly signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass and Co-Chairman of the BoT; Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman of the BoT; and Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF.
PANDEF warned that the unfolding developments pose grave risks to peace, stability and governance, not only in Rivers State but across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Describing the situation as “deeply disturbing,” the organisation stressed that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic, political and security architecture and must not be allowed to descend into chaos.
“This is a situation that demands urgent attention to forestall further escalation and a breakdown of law and order,” the statement warned.
Maintaining its longstanding non-partisan stance, PANDEF appealed to supporters of both former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as well as all political actors in the state across party lines, to exercise restraint, sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue, tolerance, compromise and political maturity.
The organisation emphasised that peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers State must take precedence over personal or political ambitions. It also underscored the need to protect the broader interests of the South-South region, Nigeria as a whole, and the large expatriate community resident in the state.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and the development of Rivers State,” PANDEF declared.
The group further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State and other well-meaning Nigerians for their ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to stabilise the situation and avert a breakdown of peace.
In a major intervention, PANDEF announced the constitution of a high-powered reconciliation committee made up of eminent Nigerians with vast experience in governance, security, law and public service. The committee is mandated to engage all stakeholders and facilitate a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution of the crisis.
The committee is chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, former Attorney-General of the Federation. Other members are:
Senator Obende Domingo – Vice Chairman (former Senator, Edo North)
Rt. Hon. (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON – Former Minister of Housing
Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON – Retired Federal Permanent Secretary
Chief Mike Ejiofor – Retired Director, Department of State Services
Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN – Former Attorney-General, Cross River State
Prince Godwin Okotie – Secretary (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF)
PANDEF urged all parties involved in the Rivers State political crisis — including key political actors, the legislature, executive authorities, and other relevant party stakeholders — to fully cooperate with the committee and support its peace mission in the collective interest of the state and the region.
“This team of highly respected sons and daughters of the South-South is committing their time, expertise and goodwill selflessly to restore peace through a dispassionate and inclusive process,” PANDEF stated.
As tensions continue to simmer amid the political face-off between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, PANDEF’s intervention represents the most comprehensive regional peace initiative so far, aimed at preventing institutional breakdown and safeguarding democratic stability in one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
