The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on political actors in Rivers State to exercise restraint and embrace dialogue following the decision of the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
In a statement issued after a meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, the apex socio-political body of the South-South expressed grave concern over the deepening political crisis, warning that the situation could escalate into a breakdown of law and order if not urgently addressed.
PANDEF described the impeachment move as deeply disturbing, noting that Rivers State occupies a strategic position not only in the Niger Delta but also in Nigeria’s political stability and economic wellbeing. The group stressed that prolonged political instability in the state poses risks to peace, development and national cohesion.
Reaffirming its non-partisan stance, PANDEF urged all parties involved in the dispute to “sheathe the sword” and adopt dialogue, tolerance and mutual forbearance. It called on stakeholders to prioritise good governance, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers State, as well as the wider interests of the South-South region, Nigerians at large and expatriates resident in the state.
The forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), elders of Rivers State and other concerned Nigerians for previous and ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.
As part of fresh intervention efforts, PANDEF announced the constitution of a high-level reconciliation committee made up of eminent Nigerians to mediate in the crisis. The committee is to be chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON.
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Other members of the committee include former Edo North Senator, Obende Domingo (Vice Chairman); former Minister of Housing, Rt. Hon. Essien Nduese; retired federal permanent secretary, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari; retired Department of State Services director, Chief Mike Ejiofor; former Cross River State Attorney-General, Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN; with Prince Godwin Okotie, PANDEF’s Deputy National Secretary, serving as secretary.
PANDEF called on all parties in the Rivers State political crisis to fully cooperate with the reconciliation team, describing its members as respected sons and daughters of the South-South committed to achieving a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution through an inclusive and dispassionate process.
The statement was jointly signed by the Co-Chairmen of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, and the National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali.