PANDEF urges Fubara, Wike, and Odili to resolve Rivers' political crisis
Posted by badgeBusayo on 0

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called upon Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili to collaborate with the Victor Attah-led peace committee in addressing the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region. The forum emphasized the importance of cooperation between these influential figures to bring a resolution to the political turmoil affecting the state and surrounding areas.

Telegram Link Join Now Join Now
DOWNLOAD MP3 SONG
SureToBet Predictions

In November 2024, PANDEF’s General Assembly established a seven-member peace committee, which is headed by Obong Victor Attah, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State. The committee was set up to mediate the growing political tensions among current and former governors in the region. The peace committee's formation marks a critical step toward finding a solution to the escalating crisis.

Peter Odili

On Thursday, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, expressed his confidence in the committee’s members, highlighting their integrity, expertise, and commitment to peace. In a statement, Igali urged all parties involved in the political conflict to fully cooperate with the peace panel, recognizing the importance of their intervention in addressing the issue. He emphasized that the conflict has been counterproductive, causing unnecessary waste and disruption in the region.

Igali said, “The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political voice of the South-South peoples, calls on all stakeholders to collaborate fully with the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which was constituted at its General Assembly on 24th October, 2024. The Committee, comprising some of the most respected, accomplished, and patriotic Nigerian Elder Statesmen from the region, has accepted to make personal sacrifices to intervene and resolve the current political conflict in the State, which has been counterproductive and wasteful.”

The members of the peace committee include:

“Obong Victor Attah: A renowned national leader and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, known for his exemplary leadership and commitment to peace and development.”

“Senator Roland Owie: A seasoned politician and former Chief Whip of the 4th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with extensive experience in legislative affairs and conflict resolution.”

“Sen. (Engr.) Emmanuel Ibok Essien: A highly respected engineer and former Chief Whip of the 5th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a strong track record in public service and community development.”

“Chief (Mrs.) Sen. Stella Omu: A distinguished politician and former Chief Whip of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a wealth of experience in public administration and women’s empowerment.”

“Col. Peter Asam Mbu Ogar: A decorated military officer and former ECOMOG Commander, former GOC 1st Division, Kaduna, and former Military Governor of Kwara State (1996-1998), with extensive experience in conflict management and resolution.”

“Admiral John Jonah: A highly respected naval officer and former military leader and Commandant, National Defence College and immediate past Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State with a strong background in strategic planning and conflict resolution.”

“Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Stella Dorgu: A former member, Federal House of Representatives (Secretary).”

Speaking about individuals who prefer to air their views on social media platforms, PANDEF expressed concern over the recent rise in the use of electronic and social media to spread unfounded rumors, false information, and fuel tensions. The forum noted that such actions divert attention from the peace committee’s purpose and undermine the committee’s efforts. PANDEF urged stakeholders to avoid engaging in such negative actions and to support the committee’s mission for the betterment of the state and the Niger Delta region.

“PANDEF notes with concern the recent resort to electronic and social media platforms to cast unfounded aspersions, spread falsehoods, and fuel tensions, all aimed at diverting the focus of this Committee and defeat the good purpose behind the peace & reconciliation effort. In this regard, we urge all stakeholders, not only to support the Committee but to also exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of inflaming the situation and causing further avoidable escalation, so as to pave the way for peace to return to the State for the sake of the citizens of the State, the region, and the Nation at large.”