Wike vs. Fubara: PANDEF Forms High-Level Committee for Rivers Reconciliation

Table of Contents

1. Establishment of the Reconciliation Committee
2. Details of the Statement
3. Impeachment Plot Against Governor Fubara
4. Call for Peace and Dialogue
5. Composition of the Reconciliation Committee

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the leading socio-political organization representing the South-South geopolitical zone, has established a high-level reconciliation committee to promptly address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

The committee, as stated in a release provided to journalists on Saturday, will be chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation.

This statement, signed by prominent leaders of PANDEF, including former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, followed an emergency meeting of the group's Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee concerning the troubling events in Rivers State.

PANDEF described the impeachment attempt against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Rivers State House of Assembly as “deeply disturbing,” cautioning that further escalation could result in a breakdown of law and order throughout the state.

The organization underscored Rivers State’s crucial role in the Niger Delta region and its significance for Nigeria's overall socio-political stability and economic prosperity.

According to DAILY POST, on Wednesday, 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated an impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy.

While the assembly cited gross misconduct as grounds for impeachment, analysts suggest that this may be linked to the renewed conflict between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike recently accused the governor of failing to uphold previous peace agreements brokered by President Bola Tinubu.

However, maintaining its impartial position on the crisis and related regional issues, PANDEF urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and set aside their differences.

The forum also encouraged the conflicting leaders to pursue peace through dialogue, tolerance, compromise, and political stability for the benefit of the people of Rivers and the surrounding region.

PANDEF stressed that the priorities must include peace, good governance, development, and the welfare of Rivers State’s citizens, as well as the broader South-South region and Nigeria. It also acknowledged the significant expatriate community present in the state.

PANDEF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders from Rivers State, and other concerned Nigerians for their past and ongoing efforts to restore stability.

In a proactive measure consistent with its legacy of fostering peace in the Niger Delta, PANDEF has formed a high-level reconciliation committee consisting of distinguished Nigerians to intervene and promote a peaceful, equitable, and sustainable resolution through an inclusive and objective process.

The committee includes: Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation as Chairman; Senator Obende Domingo, former Senator for Edo North as Vice Chairman; Rt Hon Essien Nduese, CON, former Minister of Housing as a Member; Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary also as a Member.

Additional members are Chief Mike Ejiofor, a retired Director of the Department of State Service; Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, former Attorney-General of Cross River State; and Prince Godwin Okoti, Deputy National Secretary of PANDEF, serving as Secretary.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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