The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South region, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of obstructing peace initiatives aimed at resolving the political crisis in Rivers State.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Chairman of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee and former Cross River State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, lamented that repeated attempts to engage Wike in dialogue had been ignored. Attah stated that despite President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for a peaceful resolution, Wike has refused to meet with the committee, frustrating efforts to de-escalate tensions in the state.
Flanked by PANDEF National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali and other executive members, Attah disclosed that the forum had proactively formed a seven-member Peace and Reconciliation Committee, deliberately excluding Rivers State representatives to maintain neutrality. However, all outreach efforts to Wike have so far been unsuccessful.
Following a high-level meeting with President Tinubu on March 11, PANDEF underscored that any meaningful resolution depended on Wike’s willingness to engage in dialogue. The forum expressed dismay over Wike’s public dismissal of PANDEF’s efforts, describing his comments as an insult to respected statesmen and traditional rulers working towards peace.
Ambassador Igali criticized Wike’s remarks, calling them “unfortunate and divisive.” He emphasized that PANDEF’s delegation, which included former governors, senators, ministers, and retired military officers, had met with the President to discuss broader South-South concerns beyond the Rivers State crisis, including the South-South Development Commission Bill, infrastructure deficits, environmental cleanup, and federalism.
He also condemned Wike’s comments about late PANDEF leader Chief Edwin Clark, stressing that the elder statesman, who had yet to be buried, deserved respect for his contributions to the Niger Delta region.
PANDEF warned that if Wike continues to resist mediation, it may be forced to withdraw from the reconciliation process, a move it fears could have dire consequences. The forum urged the President to step in and ensure that Wike comes to the negotiation table before the crisis spirals out of control.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, PANDEF called on Wike to set aside personal grievances and prioritize the stability of Rivers State and the South-South region.
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