From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has implored Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nyesom Wike; and a former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, to work with the Victor Attah-led peace committee to resolve the political crisis that has engulfed the state and, by extension, the region.
In November 24, 2024, PANDEF General Assembly constituted a seven-member committee to diagnose and address the challenges bedevilling the region, chiefly the political differences among former and serving governors.
PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, in a statement yesterday, reiterated the qualities of the members, adding that it was time for all aggrieved members to collaborate with the committee for the problems to be addressed.
He said it was sad that eminent personalities in the region had taken to social media to cast aspersions on one another when petitions and counter-petitions were before the committee.
Igali said: “The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political voice of the South-South peoples calls on all stakeholders to collaborate fully with the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee which was constituted at its General Assembly on 24th October, 2024.
“The Committee which comprises some of the most respected, accomplished & patriotic Nigerian Elder Statesmen from the region, have accepted to make personal sacrifices to intervene and resolve the current political conflict in the State which has been counterproductive and wasteful. They include:
“Obong Victor Attah: A renowned national leader and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, known for his exemplary leadership and commitment to peace and development.
“Senator Roland Owie: A seasoned politician and former Chief Whip of the 4th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with extensive experience in legislative affairs and conflict resolution.
“Sen. (Engr.) Emmanuel Ibok Essien: A highly respected engineer and former Chief Whip of the 5th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a strong track record in public service and community development.
“Chief (Mrs.) Sen. Stella Omu: A distinguished politician and former Chief Whip of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a wealth of experience in public administration and women’s empowerment.
“Col. Peter Asam Mbu Ogar: A decorated military officer and former ECOMOG Commander, former GOC 1st Division, Kaduna, and former Military Governor of Kwara State (1996-1998), with extensive experience in conflict management and resolution.
“Admiral John Jonah: A highly respected naval officer and former military leader and Commandant, National Defence College and immediate past Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State with a strong background in strategic planning and conflict resolution.
“Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Stella Dorgu: A former member, Federal House of Representatives (Secretary).”
He added that, “PANDEF notes with concern the recent resort to electronic and social media platforms to cast unfounded aspersions, spread falsehoods, and fuel tensions, all aimed at diverting the focus of this Committee and defeat the good purpose behind the peace & reconciliation effort.
“In this regard we urge all stakeholders, not only to support the Committee but to also exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of inflaming the situation and causing further avoidable escalation, so as to pave the way for peace to return to the State for the sake of the citizens of the State, the region and the Nation at large.”