Rivers Crisis: PANDEF Holds Separate Talks with Wike, Fubara

Fresh hopes have emerged for the resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State following separate reconciliation meetings between the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and key actors in the dispute, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Confirming the development on Monday, PANDEF’s National Chairman and former Ambassador to Scandinavian countries, Dr Godknows Igali, said the forum had stepped in to broker peace.

He said, “PANDEF has constituted a seven-man reconciliation committee headed by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, to find a lasting solution to the Rivers political crisis.”

Dr Igali disclosed that the committee had already met separately with both leaders, noting that their willingness to engage showed a shared desire for peace.

According to him, “the fact that both Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike agreed to meet with the committee is an indication that they want peace in Rivers State.”

He added that the reconciliation panel was also consulting other key stakeholders, including traditional rulers aligned with either side.

“We are engaging other critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers on both sides, and progress is being made. There is no cause for alarm,” Igali said.