The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the pre-eminent socio-political authority representing the South-South geopolitical zone, has issued a formal plea for “mutual forbearance” in Rivers State. The call comes as the regional body constitutes a high-level reconciliation committee to navigate the escalating political crisis currently threatening the stability of Nigeria’s oil-rich heartland.
The intervention follows the commencement of formal impeachment proceedings by the Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. The assembly has levelled several allegations of gross misconduct against the executive, including claims of extra-budgetary expenditure and the controversial demolition of the Assembly complex.
In a bid to “forestall a breakdown of law and order,” PANDEF has assembled a team of “eminent Nigerians” and elder statesmen to mediate the impasse. The reconciliation committee is to be chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, whose legal and diplomatic experience is expected to lend significant weight to the proceedings.
The distinguished panel includes:
- Chairman: Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON
- Vice Chairman: Senator Obende Domingo (Former Senator, Edo North)
- Members: Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON; Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON; Chief Mike Ejiofor (Retired Director, DSS); and Mrs Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN.
- Secretary: Prince Godwin Okotie (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF).
In a robust statement issued by its secretariat, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF expressed “grave concern” over the political imbroglio. The organisation noted that the degeneration of relations into impeachment proceedings is a “deeply disturbing” development.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers State to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole,” the statement read.
As a non-partisan platform, PANDEF has urged all protagonists to “sheathe their swords” and adopt the principles of “give-and-take, dialogue, and political equanimity.” The forum emphasised that the interests of the expatriate community, the welfare of the citizenry, and the necessity of good governance must supersede partisan friction.
While PANDEF commended the previous efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other respected elders to restore order, it maintained that its own unique tradition of “peace-making and peace-building” across the Niger Delta necessitated this direct intervention.
The forum has called upon all involved parties to cooperate fully with the Agabi-led team as they embark on the “arduous assignment” of achieving a fair and sustainable resolution. For many observers, this move is viewed as a vital safeguard against further regional escalation, shifting the focus back to the development and governance of the state.
