Wike vs Fubara: PANDEF Constitutes High-Level Reconciliation Committee to Resolve Rivers Crisis
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South geopolitical zone, has inaugurated a high-powered reconciliation committee to urgently address the deepening political crisis in Rivers State.
PulseNets learnt that the committee will be headed by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN. The decision was conveyed in a statement obtained by journalists on Saturday following an emergency meeting of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee.
The statement was endorsed by prominent leaders of the organisation, including a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, and the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, among others.
PANDEF, in strong terms, condemned the impeachment move against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as “deeply troubling and capable of destabilising the state if not urgently managed.” The forum cautioned that any further escalation of the crisis could trigger a breakdown of law and order across Rivers State.
According to PANDEF, Rivers State occupies a strategic position not only within the Niger Delta but also in Nigeria’s broader political stability and economic sustainability, stressing that prolonged instability in the state poses wider national risks.
PulseNets reported that on Wednesday, 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, citing allegations of gross misconduct.
However, political observers who spoke to PulseNets believe the impeachment plot may be closely linked to the renewed political confrontation between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Wike had earlier accused the governor of abandoning previous peace agreements brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an allegation that has further heightened political tensions in the state.
Despite the sharp divisions, PANDEF reiterated its non-partisan posture, urging all actors involved to exercise restraint. The group appealed to the feuding parties to “sheathe their swords and prioritise dialogue, tolerance, and political maturity in the overall interest of Rivers people.”
The forum further stressed that peace, good governance, development, and the welfare of citizens must supersede personal or political interests. PANDEF also noted that Rivers State hosts a sizeable expatriate population, making stability critical to both local and international confidence.
PANDEF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other concerned Nigerians for their past and ongoing interventions aimed at restoring calm.
As part of its long-standing peace-building role in the Niger Delta, PANDEF announced the formal constitution of a reconciliation committee made up of eminent Nigerians tasked with facilitating a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution through an inclusive and dispassionate process.
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Members of the committee are: Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation (Chairman); Senator Obende Domingo, former Senator representing Edo North (Vice Chairman); Rt. Hon. Essien Nduese, CON, former Minister of Housing (Member); and Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON, retired Federal Permanent Secretary (Member).
Other members include Chief Mike Ejiofor, retired Director of the Department of State Services; Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, former Attorney-General of Cross River State; while Prince Godwin Okoti, PANDEF’s Deputy National Secretary, will serve as Secretary of the committee.
