Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the leading socio-political organization for the South-South region, called for calm amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, where the State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
In a statement signed by PANDEF’s Co-Chairmen of the Board of Trustees, King Alfred Diete-Spiff,, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and National Chairman Godknows Igali, the group expressed “very grave concern” over the developments. They warned that the situation risks a “breakdown of law and order,” underscoring Rivers State’s pivotal role in the Niger Delta’s stability and Nigeria’s economy.
“PANDEF notes with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State. Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor of the State and the Deputy Governor,” the statement read. “This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.”
Maintaining its non-partisan stance, PANDEF appealed to all involved parties to prioritise peace. “PANDEF calls on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe the sword and embrace peace, guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity,” the leaders urged. “All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State, as well as the interests of other citizens of the South-South, Nigerians at large, and the sizeable expatriate community resident in the State.”
The forum praised ongoing interventions, commending President Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, Rivers elders, and other Nigerians for their efforts. “PANDEF commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the State,” the statement noted.
To address the crisis directly, PANDEF announced a high-level reconciliation committee chaired by Kanu Agabi, former Attorney-General of the Federation. Other members are Obende Domingo (Former Senator, Edo North) as Vice Chairman; Essien Nduese, (Former Minister of Housing); Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, (Retired Federal Permanent Secretary); Mike Ejiofor (RTD Director, Department of State Service); Nella Rabana-Andem, (Former Attorney-General, Cross River State); and Prince Godwin Okotie (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF) as Secretary.
“PANDEF has constituted a high-level team of eminent Nigerians to intervene in the matter… PANDEF calls on all parties to fully cooperate with this distinguished and highly respected team of senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South zone, as they selflessly commit their time and experience to this arduous assignment, with the objective of achieving a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution through a dispassionate and inclusive process,” the statement emphasised.
Credit: The Sun