The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has inaugurated a seven-member peace and reconciliation committee to help resolve the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, officials announced.
The apex socio-political body, representing the South-South region, launched the panel in Abuja on Monday under the leadership of PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali.
Its primary mandate is to de-escalate tension between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, restore stability, and facilitate dialogue between the executive and legislature.
The committee is chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, with Senator Obende Domingo as Vice Chairman.
Other members include former Minister of Housing Chief Essien Nduese, retired Federal Permanent Secretary Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, retired DSS Director Chief Mike Ejiofor, former Cross River State Attorney-General Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, and PANDEF Deputy National Secretary Prince Godwin Okotie as Secretary.
Igali told the inauguration that the committee’s task is urgent, given the political standoff and implications for governance.
He also called on both Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike both PANDEF members to respect the outcome of the reconciliation process.
The panel has been given 14 days to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and to the President.
Its terms include identifying key actors in the crisis and engaging traditional rulers, former governors, and other political leaders.
At the inauguration, Agabi described the assignment as a solemn responsibility, urging all sides to embrace humility, forgiveness, and dialogue to avert further instability.
He warned that prolonging the crisis could undermine the welfare of Rivers residents and national stability.
Traditional rulers and former governors, including King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, were present at the event, where they stressed the need for peace and urged parties involved to put the welfare of the people above individual interests.
The intervention comes amid rising political tension in the oil-rich state, where impeachment notices were recently served on Governor Fubara and his deputy by the Rivers House of Assembly, triggering fears of deeper instability.
Image Credit: channels
Source: Channelstv
