The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep concern over the escalating political tension in Rivers State, following the decision of the State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
PANDEF, the apex socio-political organisation of the South-South geopolitical zone, warned that the unfolding developments pose serious risks to peace, stability and governance in the state, describing the situation as “deeply disturbing” and in urgent need of intervention to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
In a press statement jointly signed by its Co-Chairmen of the Board of Trustees, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, as well as its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, PANDEF stressed the strategic importance of Rivers State to the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s overall political and economic wellbeing.
The group noted that Rivers State occupies a central position in the Niger Delta and cautioned that prolonged political instability could have far-reaching consequences for the region, Nigeria at large, and the expatriate community resident in the state.
Reaffirming its non-partisan stance, PANDEF called on all political actors and stakeholders involved in the crisis to “sheathe the sword and embrace peace,” urging them to be guided by dialogue, tolerance, mutual forbearance and political maturity.
According to PANDEF, the overriding priority at this critical moment should be peace, good governance and development, rather than actions capable of deepening division and instability.
The forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State and other concerned Nigerians for their ongoing efforts to restore calm and stability in the state.
As part of its peace-building efforts, PANDEF announced the constitution of a high-level reconciliation and intervention committee made up of eminent Nigerians with proven experience in governance, law, security and public service.
The committee is to be chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, former Attorney-General of the Federation. Other members include Senator Obende Domingo as Vice Chairman; Rt. Hon. Essien Nduese, former Minister of Housing; Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, retired Federal Permanent Secretary; Chief Mike Ejiofor, former Director of the Department of State Services; and Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, former Attorney-General of Cross River State. Prince Godwin Okotie, Deputy National Secretary of PANDEF, will serve as Secretary.
PANDEF called on all parties to fully cooperate with the committee, describing its members as “distinguished and highly respected sons and daughters of the South-South” who have volunteered their time and experience in the interest of peace.
The forum expressed confidence that the intervention would lead to “a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution” through an inclusive and dispassionate process aimed at restoring harmony and political stability in Rivers State.