Fubara: PANDEF steps in, sets up reconciliation committee to avert full blown crisis in Rivers State

CYRIL MBAH, Abuja

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance in Rivers State, urging all parties to sheathe their swords and embrace peace amidst the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.

PANDEF has constituted a high-level reconciliation committee, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, to intervene in the matter and achieve a peaceful resolution.

The committee comprises eminent Nigerians, including former senators, ministers, and senior civil servants.

Members comprise Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON (former Attorney-General of the Federation) as Chairman, Senator Obende Domingo, (former Senator, Edo North) – Vice Chairman, Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON, (former Minister of Housing), Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON, (Retired Federal Permanent Secretary), Member, Chief Mike Ejiofor (RTD Director, Department of State Service), Member, Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, (Former Attorney-General, Cross River State) – Member, Prince Godwin Okotie, (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF), will serve as Secretary.

The intervention of PANDEF comes as the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, citing allegations of misconduct, including extra-budgetary spending and demolition of the Assembly complex.

PANDEF’s intervention is seen as a crucial step in preventing further escalation and promoting stability in the region.

Meanwhile, the organization has appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State.

A statement from the secretariat of the organisation read as follows: “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, notes with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.

“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor of the State and the Deputy Governor.

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.

“In keeping with its non-partisan posture and its overarching role as a unifying and motherly platform for the region, PANDEF calls on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheath their swords and embrace peace, guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.

“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 the development of the state.

“PANDEF commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, 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.

“However, in line with its long-standing tradition and proven record in peace-making and peace-building initiatives across the Niger Delta, PANDEF has constituted a high-level team of eminent Nigerians to intervene in the matter, as listed.

“PANDEF calls on all parties to fully cooperate with this distinguished and highly respected team of senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South zone, 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.

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