PANDEF accuses Wike of blocking peace efforts in Rivers crisis

…says FCT minister disparaging group after meeting with Tinubu

…group threatens to pull out of peace move 

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of obstructing peace efforts in Rivers State, despite President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for reconciliation. 

The group also expressed deep disappointment over Wike’s public disparagement of PANDEF less than 24 hours after its delegation met with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee and former Governor of Cross River State, Obong Victor Attah, lamented that Wike’s refusal to engage with the committee had stalled mediation efforts in the political crisis rocking Rivers State.

“In a determination to prevent a full-blown crisis from developing, we constituted a team of eminent elders from across the South-South region,” Attah said. 

“However, despite repeated attempts, we have been unable to secure a meeting with Chief Nyesom Wike, who has continued to rebuff our peace efforts.”

According to Attah, a PANDEF delegation met with President Tinubu on March 11, 2025, to seek his intervention, stressing the importance of Wike’s participation in any meaningful resolution.

“We informed Mr. President of the difficulties we have faced in securing the cooperation of his cabinet minister,” Attah explained. 

“It is deeply troubling that Chief Wike has dismissed PANDEF as ‘the worst organization for anyone to rely on’ in a recent media chat, yet the President did not treat us with such disregard when he received us.”

Obong Attah reiterated that successful negotiations require the participation of all involved parties.

“It is not possible to clap with one hand. Negotiation can only take place if both parties in dispute agree to be accessible and available,” he said.

Given Wike’s continued resistance, PANDEF warned that it might be forced to withdraw from mediation efforts altogether.

“If this impasse persists, we will have no choice but to disband the Peace and Reconciliation Committee and step back from any further attempts to resolve this crisis,” Attah stated. “However, our fear is that this could have catastrophic consequences.”

Adding to the concerns, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, criticized Wike’s remarks, noting that the FCT Minister publicly discredited the sociocultural group just a day after their meeting with President Tinubu.

“Our delegation included prominent traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, and retired senior military officers,” Igali stated. 

“It is important to note that a visit to the Presidential Villa is strictly by invitation, underscoring the credibility of our mission.”

Igali highlighted the issues PANDEF raised with the President, including the South-South Development Commission Bill, infrastructure deficits, non-functional eastern ports, displaced persons from past crises, environmental cleanup of the Niger Delta, federalism, restructuring, and oil production concerns. 

However, he lamented that the media failed to capture the full scope of these discussions.

“Regarding the Rivers State crisis, the President was pleased to see such distinguished individuals working toward peace,” Igali added. 

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“As a former member of the Nigerian Governors Forum and an experienced leader, he understood the gravity of the situation and encouraged us to continue our efforts.”

Igali also rebuked Wike for his comments on the late PANDEF leader, Chief Edwin Clark, stressing that the former minister deserved respect, especially as he had yet to be buried.

“Chief Nyesom Wike’s public remarks have been deeply disappointing. Less than 24 hours after our meeting with the President, he disparaged PANDEF, calling it the ‘worst organization for anyone to rely on’ and insinuating that our delegation pursued financial gains. This baseless attack on a body comprising revered traditional rulers, former governors, ministers, and senators is unacceptable,” Igali said.

He continued: “Even more appalling is his lack of respect for a recently deceased statesman who contributed immensely to the region’s development – the late Edwin Clark. While we remain committed to peace, we urge Chief Wike to extend due respect to these distinguished Nigerians.”

Igali also made a final appeal to Wike to reconsider his stance.

“We must remember that conflicts ultimately end at the negotiation table, and maintaining dignity in public service is crucial. We appeal to Chief Wike to actively participate in reconciliation efforts for the greater good of Rivers State,” he said.

Despite the obstacles, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to peace and expressed confidence that President Tinubu would uphold his commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the group.

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