The Pan Niger Delta Forum has begun high-level engagements with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in a renewed effort to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.
The intervention comes amid moves by the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday, PANDEF National Chairman, Dr Godknows Igali, said the forum’s reconciliation committee had met separately with both political leaders.
“The committee is on ground in Port Harcourt and has held meetings with critical stakeholders. They have met with Wike and they have also had extensive discussions with the governor,” Igali said.
According to him, the willingness of both parties to engage the committee shows their readiness to find a peaceful resolution.
“If they were not interested in peace, they would not have agreed to meet. Their cooperation indicates that they want a solution to the problem,” he added.
Igali disclosed that the committee, headed by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, is also consulting traditional rulers and political elders aligned with both camps.
“There is considerable progress, and there is no cause for alarm. Rivers State is too important for this crisis to be allowed to escalate,” he stated.
He further assured residents that the impeachment threats would be managed, warning that instability in Rivers could have wider national implications.
“Any crisis in Rivers State affects the entire country. That is why elders of the region are intervening to ensure stability,” Igali said.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw National Congress has criticised the Assembly’s decision to persist with the impeachment process.
INC President, Prof Benjamin Okaba, described the move as politically motivated.
“This is not about democracy or development. It is about advancing personal interests. The impeachment plan is a clear case of vendetta and will end in futility,” Okaba said.
He added that the lawmakers were acting outside the spirit of the law and urged them to reconsider their actions in the interest of peace in the state.
