Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) don constitute one seven-man ad hoc committee to intervene for the fresh political crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and him predecessor, Nyesom Wike, with aim to restore peace for the oil-rich state.
PANDEF, wey be the highest socio-political body for South-South region, give the committee two weeks to resolve the crisis and restore political confidence for Rivers State governance.
Dem inaugurate the committee on Monday for Abuja.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), go chair the committee.
Former Edo North senator, Obende Domingo, go serve as vice chairman, while PANDEF Deputy National Secretary, Godwin Okotie, go act as secretary.
Other members of the committee na Essien Nduese, former Minister of Housing; Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, retired federal permanent secretary; Mike Ejiofor, retired director of the State Security Service (SSS); and Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN), former Attorney-General of Cross River State.
This move come as Rivers State House of Assembly members on January 8 make another attempt to impeach Governor Fubara. Na the third impeachment move since the political fight between Fubara and Wike start for 2023.
The first impeachment process begin for October 2023 over allegation of gross misconduct, but e later stop after President Bola Tinubu intervene and settle both sides during peace meeting for Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Recently, Governor Fubara comot from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) go All Progressives Congress (APC), move wey many people see as effort to get political protection from ruling party.
PANDEF Call For Respect For Committee Work
While inaugurating the committee, PANDEF National Chairman and Chairman Board of Trustees, Godknows Igali, beg all parties make dem respect the committee process and follow any decision wey go come out.
“We believe say as committed members of PANDEF and leaders wey get stake for Niger Delta, all parties go respect the process and abide by the committee decision,” Igali talk.
Agabi Promise Peace, Beg Parties To Reconcile
In him acceptance speech, Kanu Agabi assure say the committee go do everything possible to end the long political crisis for Rivers State.
He warn say if the crisis continue, e go raise serious question about the commitment of all parties to the welfare of Rivers people and Nigeria at large.
“We no fit stand by dey watch Rivers State, wey don bless this nation with talents and resources, dey suffer political power struggle,” Agabi talk.
He urge all parties make dem embrace humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation, stressing say dem fit settle the matter peacefully without outside interference.
Agabi also appeal to Rivers State House of Assembly members make dem exercise restraint and maturity by reconsidering the impeachment move.
“This committee no come judge anybody. Our work na to appeal for reconciliation. Sacrifices must be made so peace fit return,” he add.
He conclude say peace for Rivers State na collective responsibility and urge all sides make dem choose dialogue over political confrontation.
