PANDEF Calls For Restraint And Mutual Forbearance In Rivers State, Sets Up High-Level Reconciliation Committee

The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body representing the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, has expressed concern over the recent spate of political developments in Rivers state,a situation that has degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor of the State and the Deputy Governor.

The Group in a statement says the situation is deeply disturbing and demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.

PANDEF calls on all parties involved in the resurgent political face off to embrace peace, guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity. It calls on All stakeholders to place paramount importance on peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State, as well as the interests of other citizens of the South-South, Nigerians at large, and the sizeable expatriate community resident in the State.

The Group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the State.

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As an urgent step to addressing the latest political crisis, PANDEF has constituted a high-level team of eminent Nigerians to intervene in the matter,to be chaired by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN,
(Former Attorney-General of the Federation) others are
Senator Obende Domingo
(Former Senator, Edo North) – Vice Chairman
Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON, (Former Minister of Housing)
Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON
(Retired Federal Permanent Secretary) – Member Chief Mike Ejiofor (RTD Director, Department of State Service), Member
Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN
(Former Attorney-General, Cross River State) – Member
Prince Godwin Okotie
(Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF) – Secretary

PANDEF calls on all parties to fully cooperate with this distinguished and highly respected team of senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South zone, as they selflessly commit their time and experience to this arduous assignment, with the objective of achieving a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution through a dispassionate and inclusive process.

(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)