The Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has set up a seven-member High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to address the political crisis in Rivers State.
At the inauguration in Abuja, the National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali, emphasized that the committee, will mediate between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Ambassador Igali explained that the committee will engage key stakeholders, facilitate dialogue, promote reconciliation, and recommend steps to restore peace, stability and constitutional order in the state.
According to him, the committee is expected to submit its report within fourteen days to the President of Nigeria and the Board of Trustees of PANDEF.
Ambassador Igali, therefore, called on all parties to embrace dialogue and restraint in the interest of peace and development.
In his remarks, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, Obong Victor Attah urged the Rivers State Reconciliation Committee to remain neutral in its assignment.
Obong Attah said the committee must not take sides in the political crisis, stressing that loyalty should not be to any individual but to the people of Rivers State.
He emphasized that the interest, peace and welfare of Rivers people must remain the primary focus of the reconciliation process.
Also, the pioneer Military Governor of Rivers State, Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, and Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, appealed to the PANDEF Reconciliation Committee to ensure that all parties involved in the Rivers political crisis come together for genuine reconciliation.
King Diete-Spiff prayed for divine guidance and called on Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to embrace peace in the interest of the state.
He expressed hope that the reconciliation process would lead to lasting unity, stability and progress in Rivers State.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the PANDEF Reconciliation Committee on the Rivers State political crisis, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, has pledged the committee’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state.
Chief Agabi thanked the leadership of PANDEF for the confidence reposed in the committee and described the Rivers political crisis as a serious national concern.
He said the committee will focus on dialogue, reconciliation and compromise, and appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to embrace peace in the interest of the people.
The committee, is been chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, Former Senator for Edo North, Senator Obende Domingo, Former Minister of Housing, Rt. Hon. Essien Nduese, and Retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari
Others include the Former Cross River State Attorney-General, Mrs Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN; the former Director of the Department of State Services, Chief Mike Ejiofor; and the Deputy National Secretary of PANDEF, Prince Godwin Okotie, who will serve as Secretary.
