by Anietie Udobit, Abuja
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South geopolitical zone, has raised serious alarm over the worsening political crisis in Rivers State and called for immediate restraint by all parties involved.
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In a statement issued by its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, PANDEF expressed deep concern over recent political developments in the state, particularly the decision by the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Governor and Deputy Governor.
Describing the situation as “deeply disturbing,” PANDEF warned that the unfolding events pose a grave threat to peace, law and order, not only in Rivers State but across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. The group stressed that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in the nation’s political and economic architecture, making stability in the state a national imperative.
In line with its non-partisan stance and long-standing role as a unifying platform for the Niger Delta, PANDEF urged all political actors to sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue, tolerance, and mutual forbearance.
“All stakeholders must prioritize peace, good governance, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State above political interests,” the statement noted, adding that the crisis, if unchecked, could negatively affect citizens of the South-South, Nigerians nationwide, and the expatriate community resident in the state.
PANDEF also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their interventions aimed at restoring peace and stability.
However, reaffirming its commitment to peace-building in the Niger Delta, PANDEF announced the constitution of a high-level reconciliation committee to mediate in the crisis.
The committee will be chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, former Attorney-General of the Federation, and includes other eminent Nigerians with vast experience in governance, security, and conflict resolution:
Senator Obende Domingo – Vice Chairman
Rt. Hon. (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON – Member
Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON – Member
Chief Mike Ejiofor (rtd.) – Member
Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN – Member
Prince Godwin Okotie – Secretary
PANDEF called on all parties involved in the Rivers political impasse to fully cooperate with the committee, describing its members as “distinguished, credible, and deeply committed to the peace and unity of the South-South.”
The forum expressed confidence that the committee’s intervention would lead to a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution through an inclusive and dispassionate process.
The statement was jointly signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass and Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees; Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman, BOT; and Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF.
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