The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) reconciliation committee established to resolve the lingering political crisis in Rivers State has met separately with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This was disclosed by PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday.
PANDEF, the umbrella socio-political organisation of the South-South geopolitical zone, recently constituted a seven-man reconciliation committee led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, to explore lasting solutions to the protracted political rift in the oil-rich state.
According to Igali, the committee—made up of respected Nigerians—has recorded significant progress, noting that both Wike and Governor Fubara are cooperating fully with the peace process.
“The committee is on the ground as we speak now in Port Harcourt, holding meetings with critical stakeholders. They have met with Wike and the governor. They had an exhaustive meeting with the governor. They have met with elders from the two sides,” he said.
Igali expressed optimism that the willingness of both leaders to engage the committee shows their shared desire for peace, stressing that if they were not committed to a solution, they would not have made themselves available.
He added that the committee is also interfacing with traditional rulers and other key stakeholders backing either side, assuring residents that there is no cause for alarm.
Addressing fears surrounding a possible impeachment plot against Governor Fubara, Igali said the situation would be carefully managed, warning that instability in Rivers State would have national consequences.
“A crisis in Rivers State will affect the entire country,” he cautioned.
As reconciliation talks continue in Port Harcourt, many Nigerians are watching closely, hopeful that dialogue will restore stability to one of the country’s most strategic states.
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