The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has inaugurated a high-powered peace and reconciliation committee in a move to halt the deepening political crisis in Rivers.
The committee, chaired by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), was given two weeks to resolve the standoff threatening governance and stability in the state.
The intervention came amid rising political tension, following impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The forum’s Board of Trustees co-chairman, Alfred Diete-Spiff, expressed optimism that the initiative would lead to genuine reconciliation and lasting peace in the oil-rich state.
Mr Diete-Spiff, while urging the committee to work expeditiously, said that Rivers, given its strategic economic and political importance to Nigeria, could not afford prolonged political turmoil.
PANDEF’s national chairman, Godknows Igali, said both the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and Mr Fubara, who are members of PANDEF, were expected to respect the outcome of the reconciliation process.
According to him, the moral authority of the organisation and the pedigree of the committee members will compel all parties to submit to dialogue and compromise in the interest of the people.
“It is our belief that, as committed members of PANDEF and leaders with a stake in the Niger Delta, all parties involved will respect the process and abide by the outcome of the committee’s work,” Mr Igali said.
In his address, Mr Agabi described the assignment as a solemn responsibility, thanking PANDEF’s leadership for the trust reposed in the panel.
He paid glowing tribute to Mr Diete-Spiff, describing him as a symbol of sacrifice, unity and enduring commitment to the South-South and the Nigerian nation.
“The duty of respect we owe to a man like that demands that we take his intervention seriously,” Mr Agabi said, noting that Rivers’ current predicament calls for wisdom, restraint and humility from all actors.
The former minister warned that the crisis, if allowed to fester, would raise questions about the commitment of the political actors to the welfare of the people of the state and the broader national interest.
“We cannot afford to stand by and do nothing as Rivers, whose talents and resources continue to bless the nation, struggles with issues of political power.
Mr Agabi, who acknowledged personal relationships with both Messrs Wike and Fubara, appealed to them to lead the reconciliation process by example, urging them to rise above personal grievances for the sake of peace.
The seven-member committee’s terms of reference include: identifying key actors in the crisis; engaging critical stakeholders such as former governors, traditional rulers and political leaders.
The committee is also expected to facilitate dialogue between the executive and legislature; restoring stability and law and order as well as ensuring that any resolution aligned with constitutional norms and the democratic will of the people.
The panel was also mandated to consult widely, maintain confidentiality to build trust and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the president and PANDEF’s Board of Trustees within 14 days.
(NAN)