PANDEF Forms Reconciliation Committee to Address Wike and Fubara Dispute
By Wisdom Tide
October 28, 2024
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by South-South elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, has established a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to address escalating tensions between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The decision was announced following a special general assembly held in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
Objective of the Reconciliation Committee
The primary goal of the newly formed committee is to mediate and resolve the dispute between Wike and Fubara, as well as to prevent any further conflicts that may arise in the region. According to PANDEF’s communiqué, the committee aims to foster stability within Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta.
The communiqué was co-signed by notable figures, including King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Amayanabo of Twon Brass, former military governor of Rivers State, and Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, alongside other PANDEF leaders.
Committee Composition and Leadership
The Reconciliation Committee will be led by Obong Victor Attah, with support from respected leaders across the South-South. Members of the committee include Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, former Senate Whip Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Stella Omu, former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah, H.E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu.
In a statement, PANDEF emphasized, “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 tasked with promoting peace, unity, and development for sustainable growth.”
Mandate to Address Wike-Fubara Tensions
While the communiqué did not specifically name the Wike-Fubara issue, PANDEF’s National Spokesman clarified in a statement that reconciling this particular conflict is within the committee’s mandate. Tensions have continued between Wike and Fubara since the latter took office in 2023, primarily surrounding issues of authority and control within Rivers State. The political standoff persists despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu and other prominent stakeholders.
PANDEF’s Condemnation of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs Dissolution
PANDEF also voiced strong disapproval of the recent decision by President Tinubu to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The organization argued that this decision was made without proper consultation with critical stakeholders and disregarded the unique challenges and environmental issues faced by the Niger Delta. PANDEF called on the federal government to engage with stakeholders to address specific concerns and to ensure that the South-South Commission complements existing agencies.
Advocacy for Education and Infrastructure in the Niger Delta
Driven by concerns over the region’s educational standards, PANDEF urged state governments in the Niger Delta to guarantee free education at all levels and recommended the establishment of one tertiary institution per local government area. The group also proposed a minimum 25% allocation of state budgets to education, aligning with UNESCO recommendations.
Additionally, PANDEF called on the federal government to repair deteriorating roads, complete the East-West Highway, initiate the Calabar-Lagos railway project, and implement a maritime transit system for riverine communities in the Niger Delta.
Call for Fairness in Oil and Gas Sector Regulations
PANDEF concluded the meeting by urging the federal government to ensure equitable treatment for host communities in the oil and gas sector, suggesting parity with the solid minerals sector. They encouraged Niger Delta investors to explore opportunities provided by the Energy Bank, especially in developing modular refineries and advancing clean energy initiatives in support of climate change goals.
Communiqué Highlights and Attendees
The meeting, held at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, was attended by prominent leaders from across the South-South, including King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Chief Rufus Ada George, Rear Admiral Gboribiagha John-Jonah, and General Alexander Ogomudia, among others. Delegates from all six state chapters, members of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and the National Executive Council participated in the assembly.
With the theme “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta,” the gathering aimed to address both immediate and long-term challenges facing the region. Key leaders and nationalists delivered goodwill messages, reinforcing a commitment to unity and stability as a foundation for sustainable progress in the Niger Delta
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