By Attah Ede
The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body representing the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, has taken deliberate steps to end the rift between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike
The influential organisation has set up a high-powered reconciliatory committee headed by a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi(SAN) to bring the worrisome situation to under control.
The Chief Kanu Agabi led Committee has Senator Obende Domingo (Former Senator, Edo North) as Vice Chairman with Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, (Former Minister of Housing) and Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON(Retired Federal Permanent Secretary) as Members.
The Committee also has Chief Mike Ejiofor (RTD Director, Department of State Service), Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN (Former Attorney-General, Cross River State) as Members while
Prince Godwin Okotie, (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF) to serve as Secretary.
The PANDEF’s intervention was contained in a statement issued by its National Chairman, Amb. Dr. God- knows Boladei Igali, his co-chairman, King Alfred Diete-Spiff (BoT) and the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Oblong Victor Attah Co- Chairman, (BoT) and made available to newsmen on Friday.
PANDEF said it noted with very grave concern the worsening political developments in Rivers State, which have degenerated into the decision of the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, over allegations of gross misconduct.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe the sword and embrace peace, guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity in keeping with its non-partisan posture and its overarching role as a unifying and motherly platform for the region,
” This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order. This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers State to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State, as well as the interests of other citizens of the South-South, Nigerians at large, and the sizeable expatriate community resident in the State. We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state.” PANDEF said
PANDEF therefore commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the State.
“PANDEF called on all parties to fully cooperate with this distinguished and highly respected team of senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South , as they selflessly commit their time and experience to this arduous assignment, with the objective of achieving a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution through a dispassionate and inclusive process”, the statement concluded.
