Victor EzejaPan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
PANDEF urged the president to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to order, raising concerns that he is not open to dialogue for resolution of the crisis and restoring peace and stability in the state.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe group made the appeal during a press conference on Friday regarding the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement signed by PANDEF Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the group said it had in October 2024, constituted a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to resolve the Rivers State crisis.
It, however, regretted that while the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has demonstrated willingness to engage with the committee, Wike has rebuffed every attempt by the group to reach him for dialogue on the crisis.
The group berated Wike for his comments regarding the visit by a delegation of eminent South-South leaders to President Tinubu in the State House, Abuja on Tuesday, 11 March 2025.
Wike was said to have criticised PANDEF and its leadership, saying it is “the worst organisation ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favours.
The group expressed shock over such disparaging remarks by the FCT minister 24 hours after the visit to the president. “These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature,” PANDEF chairman stated.
Clarifying the purpose of the visit, Igali said it was on the invitation of President Bola and that the meeting provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance.
According to him, the issues discussed in the meeting included:
“The need for peace in Rivers State and PANDEF’s ongoing mediation efforts.
“The need for Presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, passed by the National Assembly, to ensure the region’s equitable development.
“Urgent infrastructure development, particularly road networks and the optimal utilization and expansion of existing and new ports.
“Resolution of socio-economic challenges affecting victims of the Bakassi crisis.
“Strategies to enhance oil production and promote greater inclusion of South-South indigenes in the governance of the oil and gas sector.
“The necessity of a systematic environmental cleanup in oil-producing states.
“The continued advocacy for true federalism and restructuring.”
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Igali said PANDEF is the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South region, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities.
He added that the delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six South-South states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.
“It is highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.”
Igali said what is more concerning is Wike directing such disparaging remarks at revered South-South leaders, including the late Chief Edwin Clark, a national icon and former PANDEF leader, during a media chat he held on Thursday.
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“Equally unacceptable was the crude and disrespectful attack on another national treasure, His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and current Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees,” he added.
The PANDEF chairman listed members of the Peace committee on Rivers crisis which include: Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State; H.E. Admiral Jonah John, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State;
Chief Mrs. Stella Omu, Engr. Emmanuel Ibok-Essien and Sen. Roland Owie, all former Chief Whips of the Senate; and
Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu, former leader in the House of Representatives.
He stated that given Wike’s “open hostility and dismissive attitude toward PANDEF, the organisation can no longer subject these esteemed senior Nigerians on peace missions to such levels of disregard and disrespect.”
He stated that after the visit, PANDEF has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, fostering dialogue to achieve an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in Rivers State.
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He assured that despite the regrettable development, PANDEF remains committed working towards peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta.
“We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region,” the PANDEF chairman added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
