Rivers on the Brink: PANDEF Steps In as Wike–Fubara Political Crisis Deepens

 





By Wilson Macaulay


The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South geopolitical zone, has waded decisively into the escalating political crisis rocking Rivers State, following the decision of the State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.

In a strongly worded press statement

jointly signed by:

King Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR – Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass & Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees,

Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah – Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State & Co-Chairman, BOT

Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, OON – National Chairman, PANDEF,

issued after an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, PANDEF expressed grave concern over the deteriorating political atmosphere in Rivers  State, warning that the unfolding developments pose serious risks to peace, stability and governance not only in Rivers State but across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.




The body described the situation as “deeply disturbing,” stressing that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic, political and security architecture and must not be allowed to slide into chaos.

“This is a situation that demands urgent attention to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order,” PANDEF warned.

Call for Calm, Dialogue and Political Maturity

Maintaining its longstanding non-partisan stance, PANDEF appealed passionately to both Wike and Fubara supporters, all political actors in the state — across party lines — to exercise restraint, sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue, tolerance, compromise and political equanimity.

The organization emphasized that peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers State must remain paramount above personal or political ambitions, while also underscoring the need to protect the interests of the wider South-South region, Nigeria as a whole and the large expatriate community resident in the state.

“We must now focus squarely on good governance and the development of Rivers State,” the statement declared.

PANDEF also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State and other patriotic Nigerians for their ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent a breakdown of peace.

Agabi-Led Peace Committee Unveiled

In a major intervention, PANDEF announced the constitution of a powerful, high-level reconciliation committee made up of eminent Nigerians with vast experience in governance, security, law and public service. The committee is mandated to engage all stakeholders and facilitate a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution of the crisis.

The reconciliation team is headed by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, former Attorney-General of the Federation, with the following distinguished members:

Senator Obende Domingo – Vice Chairman (Former Senator, Edo North)

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 Services

Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN – Former Attorney-General, Cross River State

Prince Godwin Okotie – Secretary (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF)

Appeal for Cooperation.


PANDEF called on all parties in the Rivers political crisis — including key political figures, the legislature, executive actors and party stakeholders — to fully cooperate with the committee and support its peace mission in the collective interest of the state and the region.

“This team of highly respected sons and daughters of the South-South is committing their time and experience selflessly to restore peace through a dispassionate and inclusive process,” PANDEF said.

As tensions continue to simmer in Rivers State amid the political face-off between key actors  former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the intervention by PANDEF represents the most comprehensive regional peace effort yet, aimed at preventing institutional collapse and preserving democratic stability in one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states.

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