The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restrain Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over what the group described as his “inflammatory” remarks regarding the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
At a press conference on Friday, PANDEF leaders expressed concerns that Wike’s reluctance to engage in peace talks was obstructing efforts to mediate between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the House of Assembly.
The rift between the governor and the lawmakers has deepened political tensions in the state.
Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and chairman of PANDEF’s reconciliation committee, stated that the group had sought Tinubu’s intervention to ensure key figures involved in the crisis, including Wike, prioritized peace.
“We made it clear to Mr. President that there was a need for him to impress upon the key personalities involved, one of whom is his cabinet minister, the necessity of prioritizing peace,” Attah said.
He also revealed that despite repeated attempts, PANDEF’s peace committee had been unable to meet with Wike, as the minister had “rebuffed” their efforts.
Attah also dismissed Wike’s claims that PANDEF was an unreliable mediator, insisting that the group remains committed to brokering a peaceful resolution. He urged Tinubu to take a more active role in ensuring that all parties, including his cabinet minister, engage in meaningful dialogue to end the political standoff in Rivers State.
