Rivers Crisis: PANDEF Committee Calls For Lasting Peace

The Rivers Elders want President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the crisis rocking the oil-rich state.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Peace and Reconciliation Committee has called for mutual respect and political stability in Rivers State, urging all parties to prioritise the wishes of the people.

In a meeting on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, the committee emphasised that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should be allowed to complete his tenure smoothly, just as FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, enjoyed his time in office.

The forum was chaired by former Governor Chief Rufus Ada George who hampered on fostering unity between the state’s two political factions.

Speaking after the meeting, George expressed optimism about the reconciliation efforts, stating that progress had been made in resolving the crisis. He maintained that peace was achievable if all parties respected the people’s mandate.

The Rivers Elders Forum also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene to ensure a peaceful resolution.

Niger Delta activist AnnKio Briggs commended PANDEF’s intervention and stressed that political stability in Rivers State was crucial for the entire nation.

She urged the committee to prevail on the presidency to engage the minister in achieving a lasting solution.

Those at the meeting included both the PANDEF delegation and the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum delegation.

PANDEF Delegation:

Obong Victor Attah (Chairman)

Senator Roland Stephen Owie

Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien

HE Col. Pam Ogar (former Military Administrator of Kwara State)

HE GJ Jonah (former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State)

Senator Stella Omu

Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu

Engr. Berkinbo Dagogo Jack

Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum Delegation:

Chief Rufus Ada George

Admiral O. P. Fingesi

Sir Gabriel Toby

Senator Benneth Birabi

Senator Andrew Uchendu

Anabs Sara-Igbe

AnnKio Briggs

High Chief Nwankwo

High Chief Marcus Atata

Mina Hart

HRH NLA Iraron

Chief Dr. Allen Jonah

Chris Ledee

Cletus Nadukoro

Dr. L. T. Ibiayemie and others.

The Rivers Elders Forum is optimistic that the meeting marks a significant step in PANDEF’s ongoing mediation efforts, with hopes for a peaceful resolution to the Rivers State political crisis.