PANDEF Condemns Wike’s Remarks, Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention In Rivers State Crisis

Abuja, Nigeria – The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly criticised Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike for allegedly disparaging the organisation and the late Chief Edwin Clark, a revered elder statesman.

The forum expressed shock and disappointment, especially after a recent cordial meeting between a high-level South-South delegation and President Bola Tinubu.

PANDEF Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali held a press conference on Friday to condemn Wike’s remarks, which allegedly labelled PANDEF “the worst” and accused some members of being motivated by financial gain.

Igali emphasised the delegation’s impressive composition, which included prominent South-South figures currently serving in Tinubu’s administration.

He highlighted the irony of Wike’s remarks coming just hours after the President’s positive interactions with these same leaders.

The forum also chastised Wike for failing to pay tribute to Chief Edwin Clark after his death, despite an outpouring of national tributes.

Igali emphasised Clark’s legacy of national unity and development, pointing out that four former presidents had visited Clark’s home, in contrast to Wike’s alleged absence.

Despite the controversy, PANDEF thanked President Tinubu for addressing critical South-South concerns, such as infrastructure deficits and the pending South-South Development Commission Bill, at the delegation’s meeting.

However, escalating tensions in Rivers State, fuelled by the ongoing feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister Wike, continue to be a major concern.

PANDEF is actively involved in peacekeeping efforts, and Igali stated that President Tinubu supported these reconciliation efforts.

Separately, Obong Victor Attah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PANDEF and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has urged President Tinubu to intervene directly in the Rivers State political crisis.

Attah revealed that a high-level PANDEF delegation recently met with the President to express their deep concern about the escalating tensions and the Minister’s refusal to cooperate with PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee.

Attah lamented the committee’s repeated unsuccessful attempts to engage with Minister Wike, citing Wike’s previous description of PANDEF as “the worst organisation for anyone to rely on” as a possible factor in his uncooperative stance.

While President Tinubu did not explicitly support PANDEF’s position, Attah expressed hope that he would encourage Wike to participate in the peace process.

He warned that if Wike continues to refuse engagement, the committee could be disbanded, jeopardising regional peace.

PANDEF has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace and development in the Niger Delta, while also urging public officials to show decorum and respect to all leaders.

The situation highlights Nigeria’s delicate political dynamics, as well as the critical role of national leadership in promoting unity and resolving regional conflicts.