PANDEF Urges President Tinubu to restrict Wike Over Rivers Crisis

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and curb what it describes as the “inflammatory” rhetoric of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), amid the deepening political turmoil in Rivers State.

In a strongly worded statement, PANDEF leaders expressed concern that Wike’s refusal to engage in peace talks was obstructing efforts to resolve the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly. The crisis has led to a significant division within the legislature, fueling instability in the oil-rich state.

The call for intervention comes after PANDEF leaders met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja earlier this week. During the meeting, Tinubu urged the Niger Delta elders to counsel Governor Fubara on the importance of adhering to Supreme Court rulings regarding the crisis.

However, Wike, in a media chat on Wednesday, dismissed the visit, branding PANDEF as “the worst organization anybody can rely on.” The FCT Minister accused some PANDEF members of previously criticizing the President for his role in the December 2023 peace pact aimed at resolving the crisis in Rivers State.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom and chairman of PANDEF’s reconciliation committee, expressed disappointment over Wike’s statements. He noted that the President did not appear to share the minister’s dismissive stance towards PANDEF.

“We made it clear to Mr. President that there was a need for him to impress upon key personalities involved—one of whom is his cabinet minister—the necessity of prioritizing peace,” Attah stated.

According to Attah, Wike’s refusal to engage with the committee explains the challenges in securing a peaceful resolution. “Since October 2024, PANDEF has made multiple attempts to reach the minister, yet he has consistently rebuffed our efforts,” he added.

Echoing Attah’s sentiments, PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali, described Wike’s remarks as “unacceptable, unwarranted, and deeply inappropriate.” Igali noted that while Governor Fubara has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue, Wike has been resistant.

“In his remarks, the Honorable Minister characterized PANDEF as ‘the worst organization ever’ and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors,” Igali said. “These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.”

He called on President Tinubu to prevail upon Wike to retract his statements and show respect to Niger Delta leaders and traditional rulers, who were guests of the Commander-in-Chief.

PANDEF further warned that Wike’s behavior should not be tolerated, emphasizing that he does not own the Niger Delta and should not dictate the region’s affairs with hostility. “His errant conduct should not be condoned,” the statement concluded.