“PANDEF calls on all parties to fully cooperate with this distinguished and highly respected team of senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South zone, 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”.
By Mark Orgu, News/Comments
As the political crisis in Rivers state seems to have no end, even with various president Bola Tinubu’s interventions , that later cumulated to a state of emergence on March 18, 2025, suspending the elected governor and her deputy, including all the lawmakers. Many thought, it was an end to the crisis, until last week Thursday when the lawmakers led by its speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule issued impeachment notice to the governor, Siminalayi Fubara and her deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, describing them a as mistake to the Rivers people.
However, many political scientists have blamed the former governor of the state, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for fueling the crisis, while others believe that he, who plays the piper dictates the tune. Even, some TV analysts were of the views, that since the minister bought all the electoral forms for all the elective positions during the 2023 election for the lawmakers, he dictates how laws are made in the state. In fact, our correspondent, who spoke to one of the former Deputy governors in the state on a telephone conversation, (name withheld), bluntly alleged that everybody is scared of the situation in the state because, the governor is helpless, as the state is now caged and if anyone dare speak against the FCT minister, both the agent of FG, Institutions, which include the police will pick the person up. He categorically said that, three individuals in the state have been picked up to Abuja. He concluded by calling Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as a Saint compared to the FCT Minister.
Meanwhile, the apex non political organization in the region, south-south, Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF), has appealed to both the lawmakers and the governor, including the FCT minister to allow peace and development to strive in the state for the interest of citizens.
This was contained in a press statement released by the forum’s Board of Trustees, Co-Chairmen, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, Obong (Arc) Victor Attah, Former Governor, Akwa State, and Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali,National Chairman.
The statement reads:
“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body representing the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, notes with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State. Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor of the State and the 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.”
In keeping with its non-partisan posture and its overarching role as a unifying and motherly platform for the region, PANDEF calls on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe the sword 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 commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the State.
However, in line with its long-standing tradition and proven record in peace-making and peace-building initiatives across the Niger Delta, PANDEF has constituted a high-level team of eminent Nigerians to intervene in the matter, as listed hereunder:
- Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON
(Former Attorney-General of the Federation) – Chairman
- Senator Obende Domingo
(Former Senator, Edo North) – Vice Chairman
iii. Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON, (Former Minister of Housing)
- Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON
(Retired Federal Permanent Secretary) – Member
- Chief Mike Ejiofor (RTD Director, Department of State Service), Member
- Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN
(Former Attorney-General, Cross River State) – Member
vii. Prince Godwin Okotie
(Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF) – Secretary
PANDEF calls on all parties to fully cooperate with this distinguished and highly respected team of senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South zone, 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.
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