The Pan Niger Delta Forum has intervened in the widening rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, by setting up a high-powered reconciliation committee to restore peace in Rivers State.
The apex socio-political organisation of the South-South geopolitical zone announced the move following an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, expressing alarm over the threat the crisis poses to stability in the region.
In a joint statement by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass and Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, former Akwa Ibom State Governor and Co-Chairman, BOT; and Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman, the body described the escalating tension as a threat to governance and security in Rivers State and beyond.
The forum noted that the move by the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Fubara and his deputy has heightened fears of institutional breakdown in a state critical to Nigeria’s economic and political stability. PANDEF warned that allowing the situation to degenerate further could have dire consequences for the Niger Delta and the country at large.
The group urged all parties involved in the dispute, including loyalists of both Wike and Fubara, legislators, and stakeholders across political divides, to embrace dialogue and prioritise the wellbeing of Rivers people over personal interests. It stressed that the peace and progress of the state must not be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalry.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, leaders of the All Progressives Congress, and other notable Nigerians for their quiet interventions aimed at dousing the tension. The organisation also appealed for calm among residents and the expatriate community in the state.
To facilitate lasting peace, PANDEF unveiled a seven-member reconciliation panel chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, a former Attorney-General of the Federation. The team includes Senator Obende Domingo, who serves as Vice Chairman, alongside Rt. Hon. (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON; Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON; Chief Mike Ejiofor; Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN; and Prince Godwin Okotie as Secretary.
The committee comprises seasoned administrators, legal practitioners, and security experts drawn from across the South-South, and has been tasked with engaging all stakeholders to broker a fair and enduring solution to the impasse.
PANDEF appealed to Wike, Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly, party leaders, and other actors in the crisis to cooperate fully with the committee, noting that the team is committed to an impartial and transparent peace process.
The forum reiterated its non-partisan stance and called on all sides to demonstrate maturity and a willingness to compromise in the interest of Rivers State and the entire South-South region. It warned that continued hostilities could destabilise governance and undermine development efforts in one of Nigeria’s most economically vital states.
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