The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep concern over the escalating political tension in Rivers State, following the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor and Deputy Governor.
In a press statement made available to AIV, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF called on all parties involved in the political crisis to exercise restraint, embrace dialogue, and prioritise peace and stability in the state.
According to the statement, PANDEF warned that the situation, if not urgently addressed, could lead to a breakdown of law and order, noting that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s overall socio-political and economic stability.
The apex South-South socio-political body urged political actors to be guided by tolerance, mutual forbearance, and the spirit of give-and-take, stressing that the welfare of Rivers people, the Niger Delta region, Nigerians at large, and expatriates resident in the state must come first.
PANDEF also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), elders of Rivers State, and other concerned Nigerians for efforts already made toward restoring peace in the state.
As part of its intervention, PANDEF announced the constitution of a high-level reconciliation committee to mediate in the crisis. The committee is chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, and comprises eminent Nigerians and respected leaders from the South-South zone.
The forum called on all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the committee, describing the team as experienced, impartial, and committed to achieving a peaceful, fair, and lasting resolution through an inclusive process.
The statement was jointly signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees; Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman of the BOT; and Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF.
Read the full press statement below for details of the committee members and PANDEF’s full position.
PRESS STATEMENT
PANDEF CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AND MUTUAL FORBEARANCE IN RIVERS STATE, SETS UP HIGH-LEVEL CHIEF KANU AGABI RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE
The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body representing the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, 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.
2. This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order. 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.
3. In keeping with its non-partisan posture and its overarching role as a unifying and motherly platform for the region, 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. 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. We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state.
4. 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.
5. However, in line with its long-standing tradition and proven record in peace-making and peace-building initiatives across the Niger Delta, PANDEF has constituted a high-level team of eminent Nigerians to intervene in the matter, as listed hereunder:
i. Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON
(Former Attorney-General of the Federation) – Chairman
ii. Senator Obende Domingo
(Former Senator, Edo North) – Vice Chairman
iii. Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON, (Former Minister of Housing)
iv. Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON
(Retired Federal Permanent Secretary) – Member
v. Chief Mike Ejiofor (RTD Director, Department of State Service), Member
vi. Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN
(Former Attorney-General, Cross River State) – Member
vii. Prince Godwin Okotie
(Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF) – Secretary
6. 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.
KING ALFRED DIETE-SPIFF, CFR
AMANYANABO OF TWON-BRASS,
CO-CHAIRMAN, BOT
OBONG (ARC) VICTOR ATTAH,
FORMER GOVERNOR, AKWA STATE,
CO-CHAIRMAN, BOT
AMB. (DR.) GODKNOWS BOLADEI IGALI, OON
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
