The Pan Niger Delta Elders’ Forum (PANDEF) has strongly condemned the recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing them as divisive and detrimental to ongoing peace efforts in Rivers State.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Arc. Obong Victor Attah, expressed frustration over Wike’s refusal to engage in dialogue despite repeated attempts to broker a resolution to the deepening political crisis.
PANDEF had met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 11, urging him to intervene in the worsening Rivers State standoff. While the President acknowledged their concerns, it remains uncertain whether his influence will persuade Wike to participate in peace talks.
The organization has set up a seven-member high-level committee to tackle the crisis, deliberately excluding any Rivers State representatives to ensure impartiality. However, Wike has rebuffed repeated attempts to initiate discussions, raising concerns about the sustainability of peace efforts.
Wike’s recent dismissal of PANDEF as “the worst organisation for anyone to rely on” has fueled further discord. PANDEF Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, expressed deep concern over Wike’s “regrettable and unfounded attack” on the delegation, which includes respected national figures.
Igali emphasized that the delegation’s meeting with Tinubu was about broader South-South concerns, including the South-South Development Commission Bill, infrastructure deficits, and environmental cleanup in the Niger Delta. However, PANDEF noted that Wike’s subsequent remarks cast doubt on the government’s unified commitment to these concerns.
