Wike vs Fubara: PANDEF Sets Up High-Level Reconciliation Committee To Resolve Rivers Crisis

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body representing the South-South geopolitical zone, has constituted a high-level reconciliation committee aimed at swiftly resolving the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

The committee, according to a statement made available to journalists on Saturday is to be chaired by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi.

The statement, which was signed by PANDEF top leaders, including a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass followed an emergency meeting of the group’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee over the unfortunate developments in Rivers State.
PANDEF described the impeachment plot against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Rivers State House of Assembly as “deeply disturbing”, warning that further escalation could lead to a breakdown of law and order across the state.

The group highlighted Rivers State’s strategic importance to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria’s overall socio-political stability and economic well-being.

26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday commenced an impeachment plot against Governor Fubara and his deputy.

Although the assembly alleged gross misconduct against Fubara and his deputy, the development, according to analysts may not be unconnected to the renewed face-off between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike had recently accused the governor of reneging on previous peace agreements facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.

However, maintaining its non-partisan stance on the crisis and other matters regarding the region, PANDEF called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and sheathe their swords.

The forum also urged the warring leaders to embrace peace through dialogue, tolerance, give-and-take, and political equanimity for the benefit of Rivers people and the region.

PANDEF 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 peace-making in the Niger Delta, PANDEF has constituted a high-level reconciliation committee of eminent Nigerians to intervene and facilitate a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution through an inclusive and dispassionate process.

The committee comprises: Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation as Chairman; Senator Obende Domingo, Former Senator, Edo North as Vice Chairman; Rt Hon Essien Nduese, CON, Former Minister of Housing as Member; Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON, Retired Federal Permanent Secretary also as a member.

Others include Chief Mike Ejiofor, Retired Director, Department of State Service as member; Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, former Attorney-General, Cross River State, as member and Prince Godwin Okoti, Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF as Secretary.