PANDEF moves to reconcile Wike, Fubara, sets up committee 

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has resolved to wade into the protracted feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

 Therefore, the Forum, which is led by elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has set up a High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to address the octane dispute between Wike, the immediate past governor of the state and his successor and political godson, Fubara.

The committee is expected to address the dispute and proffer solution.

The development was made known in a communiqué that was issued after a special general assembly meeting in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

The Communique , which was signed by King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass as Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees; former Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway), Dr. Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman; Hon Godwin Okotie, Ag. National Secretary and Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Spokesman.

The Reconciliation Committee is headed by Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, PANDEF BOT, with Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien; former Senate Whip, Senator Rowland Owie; Senator Stella Omu; former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah; H. E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu as members.

“The Assembly hereby sets up a High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate on and resolve all disputes and conflicts within the area. The Committee is headed by His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Pandef BOT. Others on the Committee are Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Stella Omu, H. E. Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah, H. E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu,” the Communique said.

However, neither Wike nor Fubara was  added in the Communique.

 PANDEF’s Spokesman explained their omission:  “Wike and Fubara are not members of the cttee but the mandate of the cttee includes reconciling their conflict.”

According to the Communique: “A Special General Assembly of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) was held at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on October 24, 2024. The Assembly was was hosted by His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State and attended by delegates from all the six State Chapters, members of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Council. The Assembly was jointly chaired by His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, first Military Governor of Rivers State, and Co-Chairman of PANDEF Board of Trustees and His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman of PANDEF Board of Trustees.

“Other dignitaries present included former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George and former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiagha John-Jonah, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia, His Royal Majesty, King Dandelson Jaja, Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom and Chairman, South South Monarchs Council. Others were serving and former Ministers, Ambassadors, Academics, leaders of Ethnic Nationality Organisations, Federal and states Legislators, leaders of women and youth associations, and the media.

“The theme of the Special General Assembly was: “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta”. Goodwill messages were delivered by eminent leaders and nationalists of the South South geopolitical zone, including Chief Senator (Dr.) E. K. Clark, OFR, CON, Elder Statesman and National Leader of PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman (PANDEF), Sen. (Dr.) Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Amb. Joe Keshi, Director-General (BRACED Commission, etc.”