PANDEF calls on Fubara, Wike, and Odili to address Rivers political crisis
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has urged Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili to work alongside the Victor Attah-led peace committee to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region.
In November 2024, PANDEF’s General Assembly formed a seven-member peace committee, chaired by Victor Attah, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, to address escalating political tensions among current and former governors in the area.
On Thursday, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, highlighted the committee members’ integrity and expertise in a statement, calling on all parties involved to cooperate fully with the panel.
Igali said, “The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political voice of the South-South peoples calls on all stakeholders to collaborate fully with the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee which was constituted at its General Assembly on 24th October, 2024.
“The Committee which comprises some of the most respected, accomplished & patriotic Nigerian Elder Statesmen from the region, have accepted to make personal sacrifices to intervene and resolve the current political conflict in the State which has been counterproductive and wasteful. They include:
“Obong Victor Attah: A renowned national leader and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, known for his exemplary leadership and commitment to peace and development.
“Senator Roland Owie: A seasoned politician and former Chief Whip of the 4th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with extensive experience in legislative affairs and conflict resolution.
“Sen. (Engr.) Emmanuel Ibok Essien: A highly respected engineer and former Chief Whip of the 5th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a strong track record in public service and community development.
“Chief (Mrs.) Sen. Stella Omu: A distinguished politician and former Chief Whip of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a wealth of experience in public administration and women’s empowerment.
“Col. Peter Asam Mbu Ogar: A decorated military officer and former ECOMOG Commander, former GOC 1st Division, Kaduna, and former Military Governor of Kwara State (1996-1998), with extensive experience in conflict management and resolution.
“Admiral John Jonah: A highly respected naval officer and former military leader and Commandant, National Defence College and immediate past Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State with a strong background in strategic planning and conflict resolution.
“Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Stella Dorgu: A former member, Federal House of Representatives (Secretary).”
Speaking on individuals who prefer to express their view via social media space, the forum said, “PANDEF notes with concern the recent resort to electronic and social media platforms to cast unfounded aspersions, spread falsehoods, and fuel tensions, all aimed at diverting the focus of this Committee and defeat the good purpose behind the peace & reconciliation effort.
“In this regard we urge all stakeholders, not only to support the Committee but to also exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of inflaming the situation and causing further avoidable escalation, so as to pave the way for peace to return to the State for the sake of the citizens of the State, the region and the Nation at large.”
