Wike–Fubara Face-Off: PANDEF Sets Up Chief Kanu Agabi–Led High-Level Reconciliation Committee to Avert Breakdown of Order in Rivers State
By Wilson Macaulay
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South-South geopolitical zone, has waded decisively into the escalating political crisis rocking Rivers State, following the decision of the State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
- Advertisement -
In a strongly worded press statement jointly signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass and Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman, BOT; and Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF, and issued after an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, the body expressed grave concern over the deteriorating political atmosphere in Rivers State.
PANDEF warned that the unfolding developments pose serious risks to peace, stability and governance not only in Rivers State but across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
Describing the situation as “deeply disturbing,” the organisation stressed that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s economic, political and security architecture and must not be allowed to slide into chaos.
“This is a situation that demands urgent attention to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order,” PANDEF warned.
Call for Calm, Dialogue and Political Maturity
Maintaining its longstanding non-partisan posture, PANDEF appealed passionately to supporters of both Wike and Fubara, as well as all political actors in the state — across party lines — to exercise restraint, sheathe their swords and embrace dialogue, tolerance, compromise and political equanimity.
The organisation emphasised that peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers State must remain paramount above personal or political ambitions, while also underscoring the need to safeguard the interests of the wider South-South region, Nigeria as a whole, and the large expatriate community resident in the state.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and the development of Rivers State,” the statement declared.
PANDEF also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State and other patriotic Nigerians for their ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to stabilise the situation and prevent a breakdown of peace.
Agabi-Led Peace Committee Unveiled
In a major intervention, PANDEF announced the constitution of a powerful, high-level reconciliation committee composed of eminent Nigerians with vast experience in governance, security, law and public service. The committee is mandated to engage all stakeholders and facilitate a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution of the crisis.
The reconciliation team is headed by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, former Attorney-General of the Federation, with the following distinguished members:
Senator Obende Domingo – Vice Chairman (Former Senator, Edo North)
Rt. Hon. (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON – Former Minister of Housing
Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON – Retired Federal Permanent Secretary
Chief Mike Ejiofor – Retired Director, Department of State Services
Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN – Former Attorney-General, Cross River State,
Prince Godwin Okotie – Secretary (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF).
Appeal for Cooperation
PANDEF called on all parties in the Rivers political crisis — including key political figures, the legislature, executive actors Wike and Fubara, other relevant party stakeholders — to fully cooperate with the committee and support its peace mission in the collective interest of the state and the region.
“This team of highly respected sons and daughters of the South-South is committing their time and experience selflessly to restore peace through a dispassionate and inclusive process,” PANDEF said.
As tensions continue to simmer in Rivers State amid the political face-off between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, PANDEF’s intervention represents the most comprehensive regional peace effort yet, aimed at preventing institutional collapse and preserving democratic stability in one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 10TH 2026)
