The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political group representing Nigeria’s South-South region, has established a high-level reconciliation committee to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
The committee will be chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, the forum announced in a statement released to journalists on Saturday.
The announcement followed an emergency meeting of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, which included former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
PANDEF described the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Rivers State House of Assembly as “deeply disturbing” and warned that further escalation could threaten law and order in the state.
Rivers State holds strategic importance for both the Niger Delta region and Nigeria’s overall socio-political and economic stability, the forum emphasized.
Reports indicate that 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated an impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy on Wednesday, citing alleged gross misconduct. Analysts, however, suggest the move may be linked to tensions between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who accused the governor of reneging on previous peace agreements facilitated by President Bola Tinubu.
Maintaining a non-partisan stance, PANDEF called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and seek dialogue, tolerance, and compromise for the benefit of Rivers State residents and the broader South-South region.
The forum also highlighted the importance of prioritizing peace, good governance, development, and the welfare of the state’s people, noting the presence of a significant expatriate community in Rivers.
PANDEF commended President Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other stakeholders for ongoing efforts to restore stability.
The newly formed committee includes: Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as Chairman; Senator Obende Domingo as Vice Chairman; Rt Hon Essien Nduese, CON; Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON; Chief Mike Ejiofor; Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN; and Prince Godwin Okoti as Secretary. The committee will work to facilitate a peaceful, fair, and inclusive resolution to the crisis.
