The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on all stakeholders in Rivers State to exercise restraint following the decision of the State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South described the unfolding political developments as “deeply disturbing,” warning that the situation requires urgent intervention to avert further escalation and a possible breakdown of law and order.
PANDEF stressed the strategic importance of Rivers State to the stability of the Niger Delta and the nation’s socio-political and economic wellbeing, urging all parties to prioritise peace, dialogue and the collective interest of the people.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers State. We must now focus squarely on good governance and the development of the state,” the statement said.
The forum’s Board of Trustees is co-chaired by the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, while Ambassador Godknows Igali serves as National Chairman.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State and other concerned Nigerians for their efforts aimed at restoring stability in the state.
In furtherance of its long-standing peace-building role in the Niger Delta, PANDEF announced the constitution of a high-level reconciliation committee to mediate the crisis.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, will chair the committee. Other members include former Senator Obende Domingo; former Minister of Housing, Essien Nduese; retired Permanent Secretary, Timiebi Koripamo-Agari; retired Director of the Department of State Services, Chief Mike Ejiofor; and former Cross River State Attorney-General, Nella Rabana-Andem. Prince Godwin Okotie, PANDEF’s Deputy National Secretary, will serve as secretary.
The forum called for full cooperation with the committee, describing its members as distinguished and respected personalities committed to achieving a peaceful, fair and sustainable resolution through an inclusive and dispassionate process.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, on Thursday formally commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy during plenary. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 lawmakers, detailing allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The allegations include extra-budgetary expenditure of over ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds due to the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged defiance of Supreme Court judgments on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor, accusing her of complicity in unconstitutional spending.
Speaker Amaewhule said the notices would be served on the governor and his deputy within seven days, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The latest development signals a renewed escalation of the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, arising from the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Previous impeachment moves in 2023 and 2025 were halted following presidential interventions, while a state of emergency was at one point declared by President Tinubu.
