Members of the reconciliation committee constituted by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to broker peace between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have returned to Abuja for further briefings and consultations, signalling progress in efforts to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state.
The committee, chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), was mandated to intervene following escalating tensions that culminated in an impeachment notice served on Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, by the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Boladei Igali, told journalists in Abuja that the panel, which was given two weeks to conclude its assignment, held marathon meetings with key stakeholders in Port Harcourt and Abuja and is expected to return to Rivers State in the coming days to finalise its work.
Igali disclosed that the committee met twice with Wike and held a three-hour session with Governor Fubara, describing both men as central to resolving the impasse.
“The committee has engaged in very broad consultations,” Igali said.
“They met with the minister of the FCT and the governor, as well as elders and other critical stakeholders. In negotiations, results do not come overnight. You must listen to all sides, analyse the issues and carefully craft solutions.”
According to him, the panel also consulted the Rivers State Elders’ Council, led by former Deputy Governor, Dr. Gabriel Toby, the reconciliation committee of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers chaired by Dr. Suanu Baridam, and elder statesman and Wike ally, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.
On whether the committee met with Speaker Amaewhule, Igali said while the two principal actors remained the governor and the minister, there had been contacts with other important figures to gain additional insights.
“The Speaker is extremely important, and I believe there is a level of engagement with him,” he noted, urging the media and political actors to exercise restraint so as not to inflame the situation.
Igali said the willingness of both Wike and Fubara to appear before the committee underscored their readiness to embrace peace.
“The fact that both men met with the committee shows clearly that they want a resolution. We have also advised all stakeholders to avoid statements that could worsen the situation,” he said, expressing optimism that Rivers State would soon witness “total peace.”
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it would soon make its position known on the impeachment threat hanging over the Rivers State governor.
Speaking on television, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the ruling party was not detached from developments in the state but would speak at the appropriate time.
“The fact that I am not commenting now does not mean the APC is disengaged,” Morka said. “We are a responsible political party. When it is time to share our position or decision, we will do so boldly, but certain processes must be allowed to run their course.”
