By Peter Usman

In a strategic move to bring to an end persistent political crisis in Rivers State, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), on Monday 12 January, 2026, in Abuja inaugurated a seven-member Reconciliation Committee to look into the issues and finding ways to resolve them peacefully.

The committee, chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON was constituted to resolve the escalating political tensions between the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly.

Inaugurated by Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, who also doubles as Co-Chairman of the BoT, under the authority of PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the committee was given two weeks to submit the report.

Members of the committee are Senator Obende Domingo (Vice Chairman); Chief Essien Nduese; Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agari; Chief Mike Ejiofor; Mrs Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN); and Prince Godwin Okotie, the Deputy National Secretary of PANDEF, who will serve as secretary.

Diete-Spiff, while inaugurating the committee, charged the members to go all out to save Rivers State, stating that no crisis was beyond solution.

The traditional ruler noted that the Niger Delta region, which is the mainstay of the country’s economy, must move away from being portrayed in a bad light before the rest of the world.

However, the committee is expected to consult widely by engaging individuals, groups, and institutions directly or indirectly affected by the crisis, with the view of building broad consensus for sustainable peace in the state.

PANDEF urged the committee to ensure they reach out to other critical political players in the state, such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, former governors, elders, traditional rulers and top political leaders.

It further directed the committee to facilitate dialogue, especially by encouraging open communication between Fubara and the State House of Assembly to address grievances and work towards a peaceful resolution.

In addition, PANDEF directed the committee to fully identify the principal actors involved in the crisis, particularly those at the centre of the dispute between the Governor and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The Forum maintained that the warring parties in the Rivers State political crisis have no choice, but to embrace peace in the interest of the people and the state.

PANDEF particularly asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; the Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to immediately sheathe their swords, forgive one another and embrace peace.

The Forum in its terms of reference, also directed the committee to encourage tolerance, compromise, and political balance among stakeholders to prevent further escalation.