- Inaugurates Kanu Agabi-led reconciliatory panel
- Proposes 2 weeks window to resolve crisis
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – With speculations rife about the possible intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the apex socio-political body of the South-South geo-political zone, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has joined the growing voices urging caution and peaceful resolution of the face-off between the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Accordingly, PANDEF has inaugurated a high-powered seven-member peace and reconciliation committee, with a two-week window to defuse the tension and ensure the contending forces sort out all complexities amicably.
Chaired by former Minster of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the Committee is also charged with ironing out issues that continue to threaten governance and stability in the oil-rich Rivers State.
PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, who spoke at the Committee’s inauguration in Abuja on Monday, said the members are saddled with the responsibility of nipping in the bud the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, involving Governor Fubara and the lawmakers.
In outlining a comprehensive set of terms of reference aimed at restoring stability and democratic order in the State, Ambassador Igali said aside from its mandate of de-escalating tensions arising from the political standoff, the Committee must fully identify the principal actors involved in the crisis, particularly those at the centre of the dispute between the Governor Fubara and Speaker of the House, Martins Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.
Members of the Committee include Senator Obende Domingo, who represented Edo North in the Senate between 2011–2015, as Vice Chairman; former Minister of Housing, Chief Essien Nduese; and retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari.
Others are and retired Director, Department of State Service (DSS), Chief Mike Ejiofor; former Attorney-General, Cross River State, Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem (SAN); and Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF, Prince Godwin Okotie as Secretary.
Eminent Niger Delta personalities, who attended the Committee’s formal inauguration, were the pioneer Military Governor of Rivers State, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, and Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah; and former Chief of Staff to ex- President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadome.
Charging the Committee to work assiduously in delivering on its mandate, PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Igali spoke the Forum is optimistic that the initiative will lead to genuine reconciliation and lasting peace in the oil-rich state.
For the Forum, the Committee must work expeditiously, given that Rivers State, with its strategic economic and political importance to Nigeria, cannot afford prolonged political turmoil going forward.
Ambassador Igali expressed confidence that both the FCT Minister and Governor Fubara, who are members of PANDEF, will respect the reconciliation process’ outcome in the overall interest of Rivers State and its peace-loving people.
He said PANDEF’s moral authority and the Committee members’ pedigree will compel all parties to submit to dialogue and compromise in the interest of the people, adding: “It is our belief that as committed members of PANDEF and leaders with a stake in the Niger Delta, all parties involved will respect the process and abide by the outcome of the Committee’s work.”
Among the Committee’s terms of reference include identifying key actors in the crisis; engaging critical stakeholders such as former governors, traditional rulers and political leaders.
The Committee is also expected to reach out to other key stakeholders, including the FCT Minister, former governors, elders of the Niger Delta, traditional rulers, and leading political figures whose influence could help facilitate peace.
Furthermore, Ambassador Igali tasked the Committee to facilitate dialogue between the Executive and Legislature; restore stability, law and order; and ensure that any resolution aligns with constitutional norms and the democratic will of the people.
The Committee is also charged to consult widely, maintain confidentiality to build trust, and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the President and PANDEF’s Board of Trustees within 14 days.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, its Chairman, Chief Agabi, thanked PANDEF’s leadership for the trust reposed in the panel, and called on Wike and Fubara, and other stakeholders in Rivers State to make sacrifices and embrace forgiveness in order to end the lingering political crisis.
Chief Agabi, who described the assignment as a solemn responsibility, said it is unfortunate that the crisis has persisted for far too long, warning that its continuation will raise serious questions about the commitment of political actors involved to the welfare of Rivers people and the stability of the nation at large.
The former Justice Minister said: “Rivers State is too important to Nigeria for anyone to stand by and do nothing,” noting that the State’s human and natural resources had continued to play a critical role in national development.
While cautioning the contending parties against allowing their disagreements to spiral beyond control, Chief Agabi used the parable of the clam and the oyster to illustrate the danger of unresolved conflict.
“Let Rivers State not be like the clam and the oyster that fought on the seashore until they were picked up by a fisherman and made into a meal,’’ he warned.
Chief Agabi expressed confidence that the dispute would be resolved amicably, especially given the fact that parties involved were once united and had supported one another on their paths to political office.
“If they have offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologise and generous enough to forgive. True greatness lies in forgiveness”, the former AGF said, stressing that reconciliation must come primarily from within.
Chief Agabi also urged all parties to resist external escalation and instead, show restraint, humility and willingness to make concessions, even as he paid glowing tribute to King Alfred Papapraye Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, whose intervention he described as deserving of utmost respect due to his historic sacrifices for the South-South region.
In expressing trust in President Bola Tinubu’s capacity to discern truth, amid conflicting voices, Chief Agabi lauded the President’s stabilising role as central to the nation’s presidential system.
He also acknowledged former Governor Wike as a courageous, and patriotic individual, who is already immortalised by his record in Rivers State and current service as FCT Minister.
However, he explained that the Reconciliation Committee was not constituted to apportion blame or sit in judgment over any party, saying: “our duty is to appeal, to urge, and to beg for reconciliation.’’
Embrace Peace – Diete-Spiff Tells Wike, Fubara
Also speaking at the occasion, King Alfred Diete-Spiff urged the Committee to ensure all parties involved in the Rivers political crisis come together for genuine reconciliation, even as he prayed for divine guidance in delivering on their mandate.
Additionally, he tasked the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to embrace peace in the interest of the State.
In the same vein, Elder Statesman and former Akwa Ibom State governor. Obong Victor Attah charged the Committee to remain neutral in its assignment, saying it must not take sides in the political crisis.
He cautioned members against no loyalty to any individual but only to Rivers State and its people.
