PANDEF Urges Dialogue On Rivers Crisis

Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for dialogue to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.
It urged the stakeholders to prioritise dialogue over legal battles.

At a press briefing in Abuja, PANDEF chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, said the forum’s engagement with President Bola Tinubu was not solely about political disputes but also about fostering stability in the South-South region.

He dismissed claims that PANDEF had taken legal action against the government, clarifying that any statement made by individuals should not be attributed to the organisation as a whole.

“We have never, as an organisation, instituted any legal proceeding regarding the crisis. Some members may have expressed personal views, but PANDEF has remained focused on reconciliation,” Igali stated.

The chairman of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Arch. Obong Victor Attah, said dialogue remained the best path to lasting peace.

According to him, PANDEF has actively engaged key stakeholders in Rivers State, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his allies in an effort to mediate tensions.

“We spent four days in Port Harcourt meeting various stakeholders. We believe peace secured through discussion is far better than one enforced by a court ruling. We are working to bring both sides together for meaningful dialogue,” Attah said.

He further revealed that PANDEF had reached out to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, seeking his cooperation in resolving the impasse, adding however, that efforts to secure a meeting with him have so far been unsuccessful.

“We have sent letters, text messages and WhatsApp messages to the minister and his close allies, urging him to meet with PANDEF.
Our goal is to ensure peace in Rivers State so the government can function smoothly,” he added.

PANDEF called on President Tinubu to use his influence to encourage Wike’s participation in peace talks, noting that a resolution would benefit not just Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region.