PANDEF Peace Committee Begins Rivers Intervention, Beckons on Wike, Fubara to Be Pillars of Peace and Inclusive Reform

By Wilson Macaulay

Port Harcourt 

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has formally commenced its intervention in the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, with the inauguration of its high-powered Reconciliation Committee, calling on key political actors, particularly former Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the incumbent Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to rise as pillars of peace, unity and inclusive reform in the interest of the state and the Niger Delta region at large.

The inauguration ceremony, which held in Port Harcourt on Monday, attracted prominent leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and civil society representatives from across the Niger Delta. PANDEF leadership described the current political tension in Rivers State as a serious threat to governance, democratic stability and socio-economic development, urging all parties to exercise restraint and embrace dialogue.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of PANDEF   Amb. Godknows Igali, said the

Reconciliation Committee,

  was mandated to engage all stakeholders, listen to grievances and propose practical solutions that would restore harmony and strengthen democratic institutions in Rivers State. He stressed that the crisis, if left unresolved, could erode public confidence in governance and stall critical development initiatives in the state.

“We are here not to take sides, but to rebuild trust, foster understanding and create a sustainable framework for peaceful political coexistence. Rivers State is too strategic to the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s economy to be allowed to drift into prolonged instability,” Igali stated.

 Ambassador Emmanuel Ogidi, who also spoke noted that the body was compelled to act due to the growing implications of the crisis on national cohesion and regional development. He appealed directly to Wike and Fubara to demonstrate statesmanship by placing the collective interest of Rivers people above personal or political considerations.

“This is a defining moment. Both leaders must rise above differences and work together for peace, development and the future of Rivers State. History will remember those who chose unity over division,” Ogidi said.

Several speakers at the gathering emphasized that peace in Rivers State remains fundamental to the stability of the entire Niger Delta region, calling for continuous dialogue, political tolerance and respect for democratic processes.

The committee is expected to commence a series of closed-door consultations with major stakeholders in the coming days, with a view to submitting a comprehensive report and recommendations to PANDEF leadership.

Observers believe that PANDEF’s intervention, if successful, could mark a turning point in the crisis and restore political stability, investor confidence and developmental momentum in Rivers State.