The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of obstructing peace efforts aimed at resolving the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement on Friday, March 14, the group condemned Wike’s recent remarks and criticised his alleged attempts to undermine mediation efforts.
PANDEF also expressed disappointment that Wike publicly dismissed the group just 24 hours after its delegation met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Obong Victor Attah, Chairman of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, revealed that despite President Tinubu’s call for dialogue, Wike had refused to engage with the committee.
“Following a Special General Assembly in Port Harcourt in October 2024, the group set up a seven-member High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee. Notably, the committee excluded any representatives from Rivers State to ensure neutrality,” Attah said.
“In a determination to prevent a full-blown crisis from developing, we constituted a team of eminent elders from across the South-South region. However, despite repeated attempts, we have been unable to secure a meeting with Chief Nyesom Wike, who has continued to rebuff our peace efforts.”
Attah noted that during their March 11 meeting with President Tinubu, PANDEF made it clear that resolving the Rivers crisis depended on Wike’s willingness to come to the negotiation table.
“We informed Mr. President of the difficulties we have faced in securing the cooperation of his cabinet minister. It is deeply troubling that Chief Wike has dismissed PANDEF as ‘the worst organization for anyone to rely on’ in a recent media chat, yet the President did not treat us with such disregard when he received us.”
He warned that if Wike continued to reject peace efforts, PANDEF might abandon mediation altogether.
“It is not possible to clap with one hand. Negotiation can only take place if both parties in dispute agree to be accessible and available. Given Wike’s continued rebuff, PANDEF is now considering withdrawing entirely from mediation efforts.
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“If this impasse persists, we will have no choice but to disband the Peace and Reconciliation Committee and step back from any further attempts to resolve this crisis. However, our fear is that this could have catastrophic consequences.”
Reacting to Wike’s statements, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, described them as “unfortunate, divisive, and an insult to the respected leaders working to resolve the crisis.”
“Our delegation was composed of statesmen, traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, and retired military officers who have dedicated their lives to the service of Nigeria. For Wike to dismiss their work so flippantly is a slap in the face of peace and progress.
“It is important to note that a visit to the Presidential Villa is strictly by invitation, underscoring the credibility of our mission.”
Igali also criticised the media for not adequately reporting key issues PANDEF discussed with the President, including the South-South Development Commission Bill, infrastructure deficits, non-functional Eastern Ports, displacement from past crises, environmental cleanup in the Niger Delta, federalism, restructuring, and oil production concerns.
“Regarding the Rivers State crisis, the President was pleased to see such distinguished individuals working toward peace. As a former member of the Nigerian Governors Forum and an experienced leader, he understood the gravity of the situation and encouraged us to continue our efforts.”
Igali further rebuked Wike for his remarks about late PANDEF leader Chief Edwin Clark, saying the former Federal Commissioner for Information deserved respect, especially as he had yet to be buried.
“Chief Nyesom Wike’s public remarks have been deeply disappointing. Less than 24 hours after our meeting with the President, he disparaged PANDEF, calling it the ‘worst organization for anyone to rely on’ and insinuating that our delegation pursued financial gains. This baseless attack on a body comprising revered traditional rulers, former governors, ministers, and senators is unacceptable.
“Even more appalling is his lack of respect for a recently deceased statesman who contributed immensely to the region’s development—the late Edwin Clark. While we remain committed to peace, we urge Chief Wike to extend due respect to these distinguished Nigerians.
“We must remember that conflicts ultimately end at the negotiation table, and maintaining dignity in public service is crucial. We appeal to Chief Wike to actively participate in reconciliation efforts for the greater good of Rivers State.”
Despite the challenges, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to peace and expressed confidence that President Tinubu would address the concerns raised. The group also urged Wike to rise above personal grievances and engage in meaningful dialogue, stressing that Rivers State and the entire South-South region deserve peace, not political brinkmanship.