PANDEF Urges Restraint In Rivers Crisis, Sets Up Reconciliation Committee

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed concern over escalating political tensions in Rivers State and constituted a high-level reconciliation committee to facilitate dialogue between warring parties.

The apex socio-political organization representing the South-South geopolitical zone made the announcement following an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, in response to the Rivers State House of Assembly’s decision to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

In a statement jointly signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass and Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Obong (Arc) Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman, the forum described the situation as “deeply disturbing” and warned that further escalation could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

The Forum maintaining its non-partisan stance called on all parties, including the governor, the House of Assembly, and other stakeholders, to exercise restraint and embrace peace through dialogue, tolerance and political equanimity.

It emphasized that peace, good governance, development and the welfare of Rivers State’s people, as well as the broader South-South region and Nigeria, must take priority. It also noted the presence of a significant expatriate community in the state.

PANDEF 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 to restore stability.

In a proactive step consistent with its history of peacemaking in the Niger Delta, PANDEF has constituted a reconciliation committee of eminent Nigerians to intervene and facilitate a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution.

The committee comprises Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON (Former Attorney-General of the Federation) as Chairman; Senator Obende Domingo (Former Senator, Edo North) as Vice Chairman; and members including 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 Service); and Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN (Former Attorney-General, Cross River State). Prince Godwin Okotie, Deputy National Secretary of PANDEF, will serve as Secretary.

PANDEF urged all parties to cooperate fully with the committee, describing its members as “distinguished and highly respected senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South, who are committing their time and expertise to the assignment.”

PANDEF highlighted Rivers State’s strategic importance to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria’s overall socio-political stability and economic well-being, emphasizing the need for a lasting resolution to the crisis.