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By Tracy Moses
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, for his swift and decisive action in addressing the political impasse in Rivers State. The group described the creation of an ad-hoc committee on the state of emergency as a courageous leap toward safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional integrity.
In an open letter addressed to the Speaker and signed by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the forum praised the House leadership for acting promptly in line with the responsibilities outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The letter hailed the initiative as a “strong affirmation of the critical role parliaments play in fostering democracy.”
The forum further welcomed the appointment of House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere as Chairman of the 21-member committee, applauding his global repute as a principled leader and seasoned technocrat. It expressed confidence that under his stewardship, the committee would approach its task with utmost impartiality, patriotism, and dedication to democratic norms.
“This oversight effort, if pursued with integrity and fairness, will be remembered as a historic intervention to protect and preserve the soul of Nigeria’s democracy,” the letter read in part.
PANDEF, however, reiterated its firm rejection of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as “unconstitutional, unnecessary, and politically motivated.” According to the forum, the state, despite ongoing political turbulence, has remained peaceful, functional, and economically vibrant.
“Not a single incident of violence or unrest has been recorded. Rivers remains calm, its people resilient, and its institutions intact. This stands in stark contrast to regions where real insecurity reigns,” the forum asserted.
While urging residents to maintain peace and cooperate with the current administration, PANDEF decried the appointment of a State Administrator, calling it a “constitutional aberration” that undermines Nigeria’s democratic credentials on the global stage.
The forum raised concerns about the Administrator’s governance style, accusing him of dissolving legally constituted democratic institutions and replacing them with appointees in disregard of due process. It warned that the continuation of such actions could further erode governance integrity and fiscal accountability.
Citing concerns over arbitrary actions such as the suspension of procurement processes and controversial appointments, PANDEF raised alarm over a growing disregard for transparency, accountability, and due process.
Ambassador Igali further reminded the National Assembly that Rivers State boasts a robust and capable civil service that can steer the state during political transitions, just as is practised at the federal level when elected leadership is temporarily absent.
Calling for a swift resolution, PANDEF urged the ad-hoc committee not to merely observe the situation but to actively facilitate a return to democratic governance. The group stressed the strategic economic and political importance of Rivers State and warned that continued authoritarian measures could endanger national unity.
“The restoration of democratic order in Rivers State is not just a state matter, it is a national imperative. The world is watching. The people are waiting. This injustice must be reversed,” PANDEF concluded.
In closing, Ambassador Igali extended prayers for Speaker Abbas and members of the committee during the Holy Week, asking for divine wisdom as they undertake what he described as “a sacred mission for the soul of the republic.”