Rivers crisis: Adopt political solution, PANDEF tells Tinubu

When the Supreme Court delivered judgment on Rivers State enmeshment, it intensified efforts, and the Tuesday date was granted

The dialogue initially fixed for 1.00 pm was shifted to 3.00 pm, but it eventually started about one hour later.

The president requested a two-minute silence to honor Clark moments after the national anthem.

Call Wike and Fubara to order — PANDEF

The PANDEF came prepared for the meeting as it held an expanded national executive council meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, more than three hours earlier on Monday to discuss the various issues presented the following day.

King Diete-Spiff started with some preliminary remarks, telling Tinubu that the leaders of the Niger Delta were in support of his government and his efforts to kindle the national economy.

“Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support. I can say now that God bless Nigeria and your government,” he said.

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Obong Victor Attah, in his remarks, naturally presented what would be termed PANDEF’s official statement to Tinubu in his characteristic expression.

The elder South-South leader, who chairs a high-level Peace and Reconciliation Committee inaugurated by PANDEF to handle the Rivers political crisis, told the president some home truths.

Either the president did not exhaustively scrutinize the lines or discounted the coded message on the Federal Capital Minister and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

The regional body indicated exasperation with Wike and the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on the political crisis when it requested that Tinubu impress on the two feuding leaders to prioritize peace.

It was more of asking him to call Wike to order, but Fubara was included to balance the equation.

The statement read: “It is very commendable that the Governor of the State (referring to Siminalayi Fubara) has publicly expressed willingness to abide by the recent Supreme Court ruling.

“Tension is at boiling point, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent a full-blown crisis. Let us also not forget that our region is still recovering from protracted years of crisis, when the national economy equally suffered heavily.

“In light of this, we have proactively established a high-level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Obong Victor Attah, with eminent members, including former military governor of Kwara State, Col. Pam Ogar; Senators Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Roland Owie, and Stella Omu; former Bayelsa State deputy governor, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah (rtd); and Hon. Stella Dorgu”.

The PANDEF committee had made some progress but pointed out that “full cooperation from some remains elusive.” (The statement made no explicit reference to the elusive individuals.)

“We therefore urge you, Mr. President, to impress upon all stakeholders, particularly a member of your cabinet, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the necessity of prioritizing peace.

“An amicable resolution must be sought outside the courts, ensuring that no party is considered superior to the other, and that a win-win outcome is achieved.”

The National Chairman, Ambassador Igali, also made a short speech and presented a souvenir to the president on behalf of PANDEF

Rivers crisis: Adopt political solution, PANDEF tells Tinubu