The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has taken a decisive step to address the escalating political turmoil in Rivers State with the inauguration of a seven-member peace and reconciliation committee tasked with restoring stability in the oil-producing state.
The socio-political organisation, which represents interests across the South-South region, has given the committee a two-week deadline to mediate between the warring factions and propose solutions aimed at ending the prolonged standoff between the executive arm of government and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The reconciliation panel is chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Kanu Agabi, with Senator Obende Domingo serving as vice chairman.
Other members include former Minister of Housing, Chief Essien Nduese; retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agari; former Director of the Department of State Services, Chief Mike Ejiofor; former Attorney-General of Cross River State, Mrs Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN); and PANDEF’s Deputy National Secretary, Prince Godwin Okotie, who will act as secretary to the committee.
Inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Monday, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said the intervention became necessary due to the worsening political tension in Rivers State, which he warned could have serious consequences for governance, security, and economic activities in the region if left unresolved.
Igali explained that the committee’s mandate included calming frayed nerves, reopening channels of dialogue between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, and promoting mutual understanding between the executive and legislative arms of government.
He urged all parties involved to cooperate fully with the panel and refrain from actions that could further inflame the situation.
He also appealed directly to Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—both prominent PANDEF members—to respect the reconciliation process and commit themselves to its outcome in the interest of peace and regional stability.
According to PANDEF, the committee is expected to identify the key actors driving the crisis, consult widely with relevant stakeholders including former governors, traditional rulers, political leaders and elders of the state, and submit a detailed report with actionable recommendations to PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and the President within 14 days.
Speaking after his appointment, Agabi described the assignment as a grave national responsibility, noting that political disagreements must never be allowed to jeopardise the welfare of citizens.
He called on all sides to embrace dialogue, restraint and forgiveness, warning that continued confrontation could undermine not only Rivers State but the stability of the wider Niger Delta and the country at large.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent traditional rulers and political leaders from the region, including the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah.
Both leaders urged the feuding parties to put the interests of Rivers people above personal or political ambitions.
Attah, in particular, stressed the need for the committee to maintain neutrality and focus strictly on peace-building.
The intervention comes amid renewed tension in Rivers State following the formal commencement of impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. Last Thursday, lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule initiated the process, citing allegations of gross misconduct.
A notice presented by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and signed by 26 legislators accused the governor of authorising more than N800 billion in spending without legislative approval, withholding statutory funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, ordering the demolition of the Assembly complex, and allegedly disobeying Supreme Court judgments on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also issued against the deputy governor, accusing her of collaborating in unconstitutional financial activities.
The Speaker announced that both officials would be formally served with the impeachment notices within seven days, in line with constitutional provisions.
The latest development represents a fresh escalation in the long-running political crisis in Rivers State, widely traced to the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
As political tensions rise, many residents and observers are hopeful that PANDEF’s intervention will help avert further instability and refocus attention on governance and development in the state.
