The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has waded into the escalating political crisis in Rivers State following moves by the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
The apex socio-political body of the South-South region expressed grave concern over the development, warning that the unfolding situation poses serious threats to peace, stability and effective governance in the state.
Describing the crisis as deeply troubling, PANDEF cautioned that any prolonged political instability in Rivers State could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the Niger Delta but also for Nigeria’s political and economic stability.
In a statement jointly signed by the Co-Chairmen of its Board of Trustees, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, alongside its National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the forum stressed the strategic importance of Rivers State to the Niger Delta and the country at large.
The group noted that Rivers State occupies a central position in the oil-rich region, warning that sustained political tension could negatively affect the wider Niger Delta, Nigeria’s economy and the expatriate community resident in the state.
Reaffirming its non-partisan stance, PANDEF urged all political actors involved in the crisis to exercise restraint and embrace dialogue, tolerance and political maturity.
It called on stakeholders to prioritise peace, good governance and development over actions capable of deepening division and instability.
The forum also acknowledged and commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected Rivers elders and other concerned Nigerians working to restore calm in the state.
As part of its intervention, PANDEF announced the establishment of a high-powered reconciliation and intervention committee to facilitate dialogue and peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The committee will be chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, a 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 cooperate fully with the committee, describing its members as respected and experienced individuals committed to restoring peace.
The forum expressed optimism that the intervention would produce a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution through an inclusive and dispassionate process aimed at restoring political stability and harmony in Rivers State.
