The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political organization representing Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, has established a high-level reconciliation committee to swiftly address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
According to a statement released to journalists on Saturday, the committee will be chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi. The statement, signed by PANDEF leaders including former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass King Alfred Diete-Spiff, followed an emergency meeting of the group’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee regarding recent 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 threaten law and order across the state. The forum also highlighted Rivers State’s strategic importance to the Niger Delta region, as well as Nigeria’s overall socio-political and economic stability.
On Wednesday, 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated an impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy, citing alleged gross misconduct. Analysts, however, suggest the move may be linked to renewed tensions between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who recently accused Fubara of reneging on peace agreements facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.
Maintaining a non-partisan stance, PANDEF urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity for the benefit of Rivers State’s citizens and the broader Niger Delta region. The forum stressed that peace, good governance, and the welfare of the people must take precedence, noting the presence of a significant expatriate community in the state.
Commending President Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for efforts toward stability, PANDEF emphasized the need for an inclusive, fair, and sustainable resolution.
The reconciliation committee comprises:
- Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN – Chairman, former Attorney-General of the Federation
- Senator Obende Domingo – Vice Chairman, former Senator, Edo North
- Rt Hon Essien Nduese, CON – Member, Former Minister of Housing
- Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON – Member, Retired Federal Permanent Secretary
- Chief Mike Ejiofor – Member, Retired Director, Department of State Services
- Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN – Member, Former Attorney-General, Cross River State
- Prince Godwin Okoti – Secretary, Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF
PANDEF reiterated its commitment to peace-making in the Niger Delta, pledging that the committee will intervene to facilitate a peaceful and equitable resolution through a dispassionate and inclusive process.