The Pan Niger Delta Elders’ Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing them as divisive and detrimental to ongoing peace efforts in Rivers State.
The minister, a former governor of Rivers State, had publicly undermined PANDEF, saying it is driven by personal interests rather than its mission of fostering stability and development in the South-South region.
At a press conference in Abuja, on Friday, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Arc. Obong Victor Attah, laid bare its frustrations over Wike’s refusal to engage in dialogue despite repeated attempts to broker a resolution to the deepening political crisis.
Earlier in the week, on March 11, a high-profile PANDEF delegation met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene in the worsening Rivers State standoff.
While the President acknowledged their concerns, it remains uncertain whether his influence will persuade Wike to participate in peace talks.
According to him, the influential body representing the interests of the oil-rich Niger Delta, had set up a seven-member high-level committee to tackle the crisis, deliberately excluding any Rivers State representatives to ensure impartiality.
Yet, repeated attempts to initiate discussions with Wike have been rebuffed, raising concerns about the sustainability of peace efforts.
Adding to the tension, Wike recently dismissed PANDEF as “the worst organisation for anyone to rely on,” a statement that has only fueled further discord.
“It is disheartening that a minister who has benefited from PANDEF’s advocacy in the past now chooses to disrespect the very organisation that stood by him.
“Furthermore, his comments regarding the late commissioner, a respected public servant, are not only inappropriate but a violation of the respect due to the deceased,” Attah said.
Reacting to Wike’s comments, PANDEF Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, expressed deep concern over what he called a “regrettable and unfounded attack” on a delegation composed of respected national figures including traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, and high-ranking retired military officers.
“The minister’s remarks are not only an insult to these eminent Nigerians but also an attempt to undermine a critical peace process,” Igali stated.
He emphasised that the delegation’s meeting with Tinubu was about broader South-South concerns, and not just Rivers State.
“Our meeting with the president was an opportunity to discuss pressing issues affecting the entire South-South region, not just Rivers State. It is unfortunate that Wike has chosen to belittle these efforts,” Igali said.
According to him, during the engagement with the president, PANDEF highlighted key regional concerns, including the South-South Development Commission Bill, infrastructure deficits, particularly the continued non-functionality of major ports, the plight of internally displaced persons from past conflicts and security challenges.
Others, according to him, were the urgent need for systematic environmental cleanup in the Niger Delta and federalism, restructuring, and oil production concerns, advocating for greater regional participation in the oil sector.
He observed that Tinubu reportedly commended the peace initiative, pledging to review the matters raised.
However, PANDEF noted that Wike’s subsequent remarks cast doubt on the government’s unified commitment to these concerns.
