The political landscape of Rivers State, Nigeria, is embroiled in a renewed and escalating crisis, marked by deep-seated tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This ongoing feud, which originated in 2023, has led to multiple attempts to impeach Governor Fubara, prompting interventions from various socio-political bodies and prominent national figures.

In response to the troubling situation, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of Nigeria’s South-south geopolitical zone, has stepped in to mediate the conflict. On Monday, PANDEF inaugurated a seven-member ad hoc committee in Abuja, with the mandate to intervene in the crisis, restore peace, and rebuild political confidence in the state's governance within a two-week timeframe. The committee is chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He is joined by former Senator Obende Domingo as vice-chairman and Godwin Okotie, PANDEF’s Deputy National Secretary, as secretary. Other distinguished members include Essien Nduese (a former Minister of Housing), Timiebi Koripamo-Agari (a retired federal permanent secretary), Mike Ejiofor (a retired director of the State Security Service), and Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN, a former Attorney-General of Cross River State). Godknows Igali, PANDEF National Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, appealed to all parties involved to respect the committee’s process and abide by its recommendations, emphasizing their shared stake in the Niger Delta.

In his acceptance speech, Committee Chairman Kanu Agabi expressed the committee’s unwavering resolve to bring the escalating political crisis to an end, describing it as a prolonged issue that questions the commitment of the involved parties to the welfare of Rivers State and the nation at large. Agabi passionately called for humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation, asserting that the dispute could be resolved amicably without external interference, especially given the shared history and mutual assistance among the parties in their journey to various offices. He also appealed directly to the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to exercise restraint, demonstrate maturity, and reconsider the impeachment process. While acknowledging their potentially genuine and patriotic motives, Agabi prayed for a "change of heart," suggesting that forgiving the governor for any wrongs committed would demonstrate their restraint, public spirit, and maturity. He clarified that the committee's role is not to sit in judgment over the parties, as it lacks the competence to do so, but rather to appeal for reconciliation and calls for necessary sacrifices for peace.

Further calls for peace and reconciliation came from former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, who, in a Tuesday interview with ARISE NEWS, strongly urged Governor Fubara to reconcile with Minister Wike. Fayose advised Fubara to prioritize humility over political confrontation, highlighting the critical importance of recognizing the role of political mentorship, as exemplified by leaders in Kogi State and his own past advice to his successor in Ekiti. He cautioned Fubara against challenging Wike’s influence, particularly regarding the contentious "001" title, stressing that Wike provided the fundamental platform for Fubara's ascent. Fayose made a direct, heartfelt plea to Fubara, begging him to "go and make amends and be at peace," emphasizing the need to respect both constitutional obligations and political mentorship. He noted that all stakeholders must prioritize peace, development, and the welfare of Rivers State citizens and the broader community, including the significant expatriate population.

The crisis escalated recently with a third impeachment move on January 8 by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly against Mr. Fubara. The initial impeachment proceedings in October 2023, based on allegations of gross misconduct, were subsequently dropped following President Bola Tinubu's intervention, which brokered a truce. However, the latest attempt, launched by twenty-seven lawmakers last Thursday, cited new allegations including the demolition of the Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, and defiance of a Supreme Court ruling on legislative autonomy. Governor Fubara reportedly has not received formal notice of these proceedings, and two pro-Wike lawmakers have since called for their suspension. Mr. Fubara's recent defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is widely interpreted as a strategic bid for political protection from the ruling party.

Adding another layer to the complex conflict, Gift Worlu, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, criticized Governor Fubara's actions since resuming office. Worlu highlighted that the budget presented by the former Sole Administrator of the state, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas—who was appointed by President Tinubu during a six-month state of emergency when the state assembly was also suspended—failed to make provisions for the State House of Assembly. Worlu stated that upon his return, Fubara was expected to prepare a supplementary budget to address the Assembly's needs and appoint commissioners to work with him and members of the party, but instead has been "playing to the gallery" and refusing to fulfill these essential agreements.