The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep concern over the recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, against its leadership, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure respect for the region’s leaders and peace efforts in Rivers State.
In a statement at the weekend, PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, stated that the forum initially intended to focus solely on appreciating President Tinubu for hosting South-South leaders at the Presidential Villa on March 11, 2025. However, Wike’s controversial media chat the following day, where he disparaged PANDEF and its leadership, made it necessary to respond.
PANDEF’s Meeting with Tinubu
The South-South delegation to the Presidency included prominent traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, retired military officers, and business leaders.
The discussions with President Tinubu covered critical regional concerns such as:
Restoring peace in Rivers State through PANDEF’s mediatory efforts.
Securing Presidential assent for the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill.
Accelerating infrastructure projects, particularly roads and ports.
Addressing the socio-economic impact of the Bakassi crisis.
Increasing South-South representation in the oil and gas sector.
Implementing environmental cleanup in oil-producing states.
Advocating for true federalism and restructuring.
President Tinubu commended PANDEF’s peace efforts and urged the organization to sustain its reconciliation mission in Rivers State. PANDEF has since intensified engagements with key stakeholders to achieve lasting harmony in the state.
Wike’s Controversial Remarks
Barely 24 hours after the meeting, Wike held a media chat in which he dismissed PANDEF as “the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa for financial gains. PANDEF described these statements as false and unbecoming of a serving minister.
More concerning, according to PANDEF, was Wike’s attack on respected South-South leaders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark and His Majesty King Alfred Diete-Spiff, who chairs PANDEF’s Board of Trustees. The organization condemned the remarks as disrespectful and an affront to the dignity of the region’s leaders.
Peace and Reconciliation Efforts
PANDEF emphasized that it remains the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South and has been leading peace efforts in Rivers State. The forum’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, constituted in October 2024, includes distinguished statesmen such as:
Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State.
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Admiral Jonah John, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Chief Mrs. Stella Omu, Engr. Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, and Sen. Roland Owie, all former Senate Chief Whips.
Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu, former House of Representatives leader.
While Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has shown a willingness to engage with the committee, Wike has repeatedly ignored calls for dialogue. PANDEF lamented that its efforts to mediate in Rivers State have been met with open hostility from the minister.
Call for Presidential Intervention
PANDEF urged President Tinubu to call Wike to order and ensure that he retracts his inflammatory statements while according due respect to South-South elders and traditional rulers.
“The Minister does not own the Niger Delta, and his errant conduct should not be condoned,” PANDEF stated.
Despite this setback, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to peace and development in the Niger Delta and vowed to continue working with relevant stakeholders to maintain stability in Rivers State and the wider South-South region.