Wike Vs Fubara: PANDEF’s High-powered Panel Sets to Storm Rivers

The Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum has constituted a seven-man reconciliation committee to mediate in the Rivers State crisis.

The committee, chaired by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), has a former senator representing Edo North, Senator Obende Domingo, as vice chairman; a former Minister of Housing, Chief Essien Nduese,; and a retired federal permanent secretary, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari,

Other members are a former Director of the Department of State Services, Chief Mike Ejiofor; a former Attorney-General of Cross River State, Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN); and PANDEF’s Deputy National Secretary, Prince Godwin Okotie.

The Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of PANDEF said the committee was set up in line with the group’s long-standing tradition of peace-making across the Niger Delta.

The forum urged all parties in the crisis to cooperate fully with the committee “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.”

In a statement jointly signed by the first military governor of Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah; and PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the forum described the situation in Rivers State as disturbing.

It appealed to all parties to sheathe their swords 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.”

PANDEF said it was regrettable that the crisis had degenerated into impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.

“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.”

The forum, however, commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, elders of Rivers State, and other stakeholders for their ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.