The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to resolve the escalating political crisis in Rivers State.
The group specifically urged him to rein in both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, warning that the prolonged dispute between the two political figures poses a grave threat to national stability.
The call was made during a high-level meeting between South-South leaders and President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.
The delegation, led by King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, included eminent traditional rulers, former governors, national legislators, and other political and business stakeholders from the region.
Addressing President Tinubu, PANDEF expressed deep concern over the unresolved power struggle in Rivers State, emphasizing that the instability could have far-reaching consequences for the entire country, given the state’s strategic economic importance, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
ALSO READ: FG committed to creating enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments — Tinubu’s aide
“Despite Mr. President’s fatherly efforts to mediate between the parties involved, the situation continues to deteriorate due to conflicting and contradictory court rulings,” King Diete-Spiff read from PANDEF’s statement.
The Rivers State crisis, which has lingered for months, stems from an intense political battle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who played a major role in installing Fubara as his successor in the 2023 elections.
However, their relationship has since soured, leading to an open battle for political control in the state.
Although Governor Fubara has publicly declared his willingness to abide by the recent Supreme Court ruling on the crisis, PANDEF noted that tensions remain at a boiling point, with no concrete resolution in sight.
The prolonged dispute has led to deep divisions among political actors in Rivers State, instability in governance, and concerns over possible violence among supporters of both factions.
In an effort to de-escalate the crisis, PANDEF revealed that it had established a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, chaired by former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah.
Other members of the committee include:
Col. Pam Ogar (rtd) – Former Military Governor of Kwara State; Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien – Former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate; Senator Rowland Owie – Former Senate Chief Whip; Senator Stella Omu – Former Senator from Delta State; Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah (rtd) – Former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, and Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu – Former Member, House of Representatives.
While the committee has made some progress, PANDEF lamented that certain key actors remain uncooperative, making it difficult to broker a lasting peace agreement.
“We therefore urge you, Mr. President, to impress upon all stakeholders, particularly a member of your cabinet, Chief Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the necessity of prioritizing peace,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that an amicable resolution must be sought outside the courts, ensuring that no party is considered superior to the other and that a mutually beneficial settlement is reached.
Beyond the Rivers State crisis, PANDEF used the meeting with President Tinubu to highlight other pressing issues affecting the Niger Delta region, calling for urgent government action.
PANDEF expressed frustration over the delay in the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, a bill that was passed by the National Assembly but has not yet received presidential assent.
The group clarified that the proposed South-South Development Commission is distinct from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which primarily focuses on oil-producing communities.
The new commission, they argued, would drive holistic regional development, similar to those being set up in other geopolitical zones.
The forum also raised concerns over the alarming increase in kidnappings, violent attacks, and piracy in the region, warning that criminals may be migrating from other parts of the country due to intensified security operations elsewhere.
“If left unchecked, this could force local populations to resort to self-help, a situation we must collectively work to prevent,” PANDEF warned.
The leaders called for enhanced security measures, better intelligence gathering, and stronger law enforcement efforts to protect local communities and critical infrastructure in the region.
PANDEF also decried the severe infrastructure deficit in the South-South, despite its massive contributions to Nigeria’s revenue through oil production. The group particularly lamented the state of major highways, including the: East-West Road, Benin-Auchi Road, Benin-Warri Road and Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road.
In addition, they called for the revival of the region’s seaports, arguing that developing maritime infrastructure in the Niger Delta could significantly boost the Blue Economy and create thousands of jobs.
The forum also renewed calls for the establishment of modular refineries, which they believe will reduce oil theft, end illegal bunkering, and curb environmental pollution caused by crude oil spills and artisanal refining activities.
PANDEF used the opportunity to advocate for fiscal federalism, urging President Tinubu to push for constitutional reforms that would give regions greater control over their resources.
The group noted that the current revenue-sharing formula is unfair to oil-producing states, which continue to suffer from environmental degradation and underdevelopment despite generating the bulk of the nation’s revenue.
Despite their concerns, PANDEF reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s administration, pledging to work with the government to promote stability and development in the Niger Delta.
“We believe this engagement marks a new chapter in the relationship between the South-South and your government. You can count on our full cooperation in realizing a shared vision for prosperity, stability, and progress,” the forum stated.
and then