Kehinde Fajobi
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by South-South leader Chief Edwin Clark, has formed a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate disputes, including the ongoing conflict between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
A communiqué issued at the end of PANDEF’s Special General Assembly in Port Harcourt this weekend announced the committee’s mandate to address all regional disputes.
The communiqué was signed by King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and other prominent leaders.
Headed by Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, the committee includes notable figures such as Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Stella Omu, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah, and others.
“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 communiqué stated.
Responding to questions, PANDEF’s spokesperson confirmed that while Wike and Fubara aren’t committee members, the committee’s mandate does include their reconciliation. Wike and Fubara have clashed since Fubara took office in 2023, with the governor attributing the rift to power struggles within the state.
PANDEF also strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, calling for discussions to address concerns specific to the region.
“The Ministry of Niger Delta was established to address specific issues…,” the communiqué read.
PANDEF also urged the government to fulfil infrastructure commitments, such as completing the East-West Highway, initiating the Calabar-Lagos railway, and implementing maritime transit for riverine areas.
The forum further called for tuition-free education across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels in the Niger Delta, as well as a budget allocation minimum of 25% to align with UNESCO recommendations. Additionally, PANDEF encouraged local investors to pursue opportunities in clean and green energy, modular refineries, and other climate-conscious industries in the region.