By Henry Umoru
ABUJA- THE Apex Socio political body of the South South Geo-political zone, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF has raised the alarm that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Nyesom Wike is using all available means to block peace efforts to address the crisis rocking Rivers State.
PANDEF has condemned in very strong terms, recent remarks by Wike, accusing him of undermining critical peace efforts in Rivers State, just as it expressed disappointment over Wike’s public disparagement of the apex socio-political body of the South South Geo-political zone less than 24 hours after its delegation met with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
PANDEF has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that Wike comes to the negotiation table before the situation in Rivers State escalates out of control.
Addresing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the Chairman of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee and former Governor of Cross River State, Obong Victor Attah said that all efforts to engage the former Rivers State Governor with its Peace and Reconciliation Committee, despite President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for dialogue to restore stability in Rivers State have proved abortive.
Flanked at the briefing by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the National Publicity Secretary, Olorogun Obiuwevbi Ominimini, other Executive members of PANDEF, Obong Attah lamented that Wike’s unwillingness to meet with the committee is obstructing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the state.
Attah disclosed how PANDEF, a respected regional body established in 2016 to champion the interests of the Niger Delta, had taken proactive steps to help nip in the bud the political crisis in Rivers State.
He said, “Following a Special General Assembly in Port Harcourt in October 2024, the group set up a seven-member High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee.
Notably, the committee excluded any representatives from Rivers State to ensure neutrality.
“In a determination to prevent a full-blown crisis from developing, we constituted a team of eminent elders from across the South-South region.
“However, despite repeated attempts, we have been unable to secure a meeting with Chief Nyesom Wike, who has continued to rebuff our peace efforts.”
Attah who noted that a PANDEF delegation met with President Tinubu on March 11, 2025, to seek his intervention, said that the delegation made it clear that the success of any peace process hinged on Wike’s willingness to come to the table.
He said, “We informed Mr. President of the difficulties we have faced in securing the cooperation of his cabinet minister.
“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.”
Attah who noted that dialogue requires mutual engagement and cannot be forced upon one party alone, said, “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.
“Given Wike’s continued rebuff, PANDEF is now considering withdrawing entirely from mediation efforts. 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. “However, our fear is that this could have catastrophic consequences., he warned.
Reacting strongly to Wike’s statement, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali described it as “unfortunate, divisive, and an insult to the respected leaders working to resolve the crisis. This is not just about Rivers State; this is about stability in the South-South.
“Our delegation was composed of statesmen, traditional rulers, former governors, Senators, ministers, and retired military officers who have dedicated their lives to the service of Nigeria. For Wike to dismiss their work so flippantly is a slap in the face of peace and progress.
“It is important to note that a visit to the Presidential Villa is strictly by invitation, underscoring the credibility of our mission.”
Igali who highlighted the issues PANDEF raised with the President as they include 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, lamented that the media failed to capture the full scope of these discussions.
The PANDEF National Chairman said, “Regarding the Rivers State crisis, the President was pleased to see such distinguished individuals working toward peace.
“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 Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader 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.
“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.
“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.”
According to PANDEF, they will not be drawn into political mudslinging as they urge Wike to rise above personal grievances and engage in meaningful dialogue as the people of Rivers State and indeed the entire South-South deserve peace, not political brinkmanship.”
PANDEF has however 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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