By: Mercy Peter
The Pan Niger Delta Forum has called for restraints on the part of the warring Rivers State political groups.
PANDEF has also set up a seven member reconciliation committee to resolve the Rivers State political crisis between the embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the members of the State Assembly.
The committee is chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, (Former Attorney-General of the Federation).
The State assembly on Thursday initiated a fresh impeachment process on the governor and his deputy.
Reacting to the latest crisis in the state, PANDEF in a statement expressed concern, saying that the current situation is quite disturbing and demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
The statement was signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass who is the Co-chairman, BOT; Obong (Arc) Victor Attah, former Governor, Akwa Ibom State Co-Chairman, BOT and Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, National Chairman.
PANDEF therefore called on all parties involved to sheathe the sword and embrace peace, guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
PANDEF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State for their past interventions.
The Statement reads: “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 sheathe the sword 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 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.
“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.”
Other members of the committee are: Senator Obende Domingo (Former Senator, Edo North) – Vice Chairman; Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, (Former Minister of Housing); Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari (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; and Prince Godwin Okotie (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF) – Secretary.
