The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body representing the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, has called for restraint by the warring factions in the lingering political crisis in Rivers State. PANDEF has also set up a high-level reconciliation committee headed by the renowned lawyer and former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN.
In a press statement released by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Igali, the forum noted with grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State which have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
According to PANDEF, “The situation is deeply disturbing that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order. This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers State to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole.
”In keeping with its non-partisan posture and its overreaching role as a unifying and motherly platform for the region, PANDEF calls on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe the sword and embrace peace, guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity. All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State, as well as the interests of other citizens of the South-South, Nigerians at large, and the sizeable expatriate community resident in the State. We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state.”
The Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the State.
Other members of the high-level reconciliation committee include – Senator Obende Domingo (Former Senator, Edo North) – Vice Chairman, Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON, (Former Minister of Housing), and Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON, Retired Federal Permanent Secretary).
Others are Chief Mike Ejiofor (Rtd Director, Department of State Service), Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN (Former Attorney-General, Cross River State), and Prince Godwin Okotie (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF) who will serve as the Secretary.
Since December 2023, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike have been at logger heads over the control of the state. Last year, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers which lasted for six months.