…PANDEF tells Tinubu as tension reaches boiling point 

By Emma Amaize, South-South Regional Editor

Last Tuesday’s consultation between President Bola Tinubu and leaders of 

the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the mouthpiece of the traditional rulers, leaders, and stakeholders of the coastal states of the Niger Delta, held at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, was absorbing as it was instructive.

The president made revealing comments on the political crisis in Rivers State, the first item the leaders of the South-South geopolitical zone presented for discussion. The matter practically dominated the entire time for the assembly, with Tinubu guaranteeing he would subsequently consider the other germane issues raised by the PANDEF leaders.

The PANDEF delegation was led by the Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and a former military governor of the old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and his counterpart, a former governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah. 

As protocol required, they were seated and waiting for Tinubu when he sauntered in his emblematic flowing Agbada attire. 

The National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali; a former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson; Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN); a former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Liyel Imoke; a former deputy governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru; a former Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr Timi Alaibe; and the Jaja of Opobo, Prof. Dandeson Jaja, sat in compliance. 

Also in the PANDEF entourage were Senator Ita Enang; Senator Bassey Henshaw; Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, a former acting Managing Director of the NDDC; Mr Uche Secondus; Senator Andrew Uchendu; Chairman of PANDEF in Delta State, and National Coordinator of Host Communities of Nigeria, HOSTCOM, Prince Okareme Maikpobi; Niger Delta activist, Ms. Ann-Kio Briggs; spokesman for PANDEF, Obiwevbi Ominimini; a former PANDEF spokesperson, High Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe; and Senator Lee Maeba.

The president politely shook hands with Diete-Spiff, the Amanayabo (traditional ruler) of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State, who sat close by before taking his seat.

It was the first time since the PANDEF was founded in 2016 that the group would show up at such a high-profile meeting without its Convener and National Leader, Pa Edwin Clark, who died last month, directing affairs. Our source said PANDEF had requested a courtesy call on Mr. President to acquaint himself with the new leadership soon after its general national assembly met in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, in October 2024.

When the Supreme Court delivered judgment on Rivers State enmeshment, it intensified efforts, and the Tuesday date was granted

The dialogue initially fixed for 1.00 pm was shifted to 3.00 pm, but it eventually started about one hour later.

The president requested a two-minute silence to honor Clark moments after the national anthem. 

Call Wike and Fubara to order — PANDEF

The PANDEF came prepared for the meeting as it held an expanded national executive council meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, more than three hours earlier on Monday to discuss the various issues presented the following day.

King Diete-Spiff started with some preliminary remarks, telling Tinubu that the leaders of the Niger Delta were in support of his government and his efforts to kindle the national economy. 

“Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support. I can say now that God bless Nigeria and your government,” he said.

Obong Victor Attah, in his remarks, naturally presented what would be termed PANDEF’s official statement to Tinubu in his characteristic expression. 

The elder South-South leader, who chairs a high-level Peace and Reconciliation Committee inaugurated by PANDEF to handle the Rivers political crisis, told the president some home truths.

Either the president did not exhaustively scrutinize the lines or discounted the coded message on the Federal Capital Minister and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike. 

The regional body indicated exasperation with Wike and the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on the political crisis when it requested that Tinubu impress on the two feuding leaders to prioritize peace.

It was more of asking him to call Wike to order, but Fubara was included to balance the equation. 

The statement read: “It is very commendable that the Governor of the State (referring to Siminalayi Fubara) has publicly expressed willingness to abide by the recent Supreme Court ruling.

“Tension is at boiling point, and urgent intervention is needed to prevent a full-blown crisis. Let us also not forget that our region is still recovering from protracted years of crisis, when the national economy equally suffered heavily.

“In light of this, we have proactively established a high-level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Obong Victor Attah, with eminent members, including former military governor of Kwara State, Col. Pam Ogar; Senators Emmanuel Ibok Essien, Roland Owie, and Stella Omu; former Bayelsa State deputy governor, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah (rtd); and Hon. Stella Dorgu”. 

The PANDEF committee had made some progress but pointed out that “full cooperation from some remains elusive.” (The statement made no explicit reference to the elusive individuals.)

“We therefore urge you, Mr. President, to impress upon all stakeholders, particularly a member of your cabinet, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the necessity of prioritizing peace. 

“An amicable resolution must be sought outside the courts, ensuring that no party is considered superior to the other, and that a win-win outcome is achieved.”

The National Chairman, Ambassador Igali, also made a short speech and presented a souvenir to the president on behalf of PANDEF

A top member of PANDEF confided in Sunday Vanguard: “Wike, the FCT Minister, has a pint-size regard for the regional body because he believes it panders to Ijaw interests, particularly in Rivers State.

“He appears not ready for mediation by the group, especially after the Supreme Court seemingly gave him the upper hand with its verdict.

“The message PANDEF passed to Tinubu is to admonish Wike if the leaders were to make progress on the Rivers political crisis, but Tinubu paid less attention to the plea though admitted getting the signal.

“The problem is not Fubara; his estranged godfather, Wike, is the dominant factor in the Rivers political crisis, and if he does not listen to the PANDEF, there is little the regional body could do.

“That is why we want the president as a statesman to direct him to work together with PANDEF.

“We are happy that the president gave PANDEF the order to negotiate a settlement between the opposing groups. We will inform the president if Wike, the House of Assembly, Fubara, and others do not pursue the path of peace. 

“He must invite the person in question and restrain him if he is sincere in the instruction he gave us.”

Tell Fubara to obey S’Court judgment – Tinubu

 Looking at the leaders who came, the president was excited about the quality of the delegates and praised Clark for bringing all leaders of the South-South under one organization, irrespective of political tendencies.

He acknowledged the doggedness of Obong Attah, a colleague-governor with him in their days, and his readiness to continue to provide valuable leadership for his people. He hollered “Mama Bakassi”, the acronym for which Senator Florence Ita-Giwa from Cross-River State is popularly known.

Back to the nitty-gritty, the president told the Niger Delta leaders at the closed-doors meeting to counsel Fubara to obey the Supreme Court judgment on the political crisis in the state, saying he was putting the responsibility for peace in the state on their shoulders.

The Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, said the president told the leaders: “I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened. We reached an agreement, a written agreement, and both parties signed.

“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as president without a rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations. Human beings can make errors. But once the court has spoken, that is it.

“Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability.

“Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. I have given the situation enough time and consideration. We cannot fall back, and we will not. The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy. We worked together on it. They will not suffer. They must be protected,” President Tinubu said.

Mr. President disclosed that Fubara had visited him 24 hours earlier, and he cautioned him to pursue the path of peace. 

Tinubu could not address all the issues the leaders raised, but he promised to subsequently read and act appropriately.

His words: “I sincerely thank you for bringing up those issues. And for doing what you are doing for the country. Nigeria is too big for anyone.

“And greater than anyone. It is so great. That greatness must come from us through our determination, perseverance, and endurance to do all we can to improve it.”

He thanked the delegation for acknowledging his efforts to stimulate the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth, saying, “We cannot achieve Eldorado in one day. But we are on the path to it. We will succeed by the grace of God Almighty. We are resetting the economy, and it looks far better. We have funds for our children in college. Our medical colleges are also getting equipped.”

The president noted that the ongoing coastal road project would create new economic benefits for the Niger Delta and the country.

“We’re already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta States,” he added.

Other problems 

The South-South leaders complained to President Tinubu about the dire infrastructure deficit, the escalating spate of insecurity in the oil/gas-rich region, and his delay in giving assent to the South-South Development Commission Bill passed by the National Assembly, among other concerns at the meeting.

“Despite our region’s significant contributions to national revenue, the Niger Delta remains plagued by severe infrastructure deficits. A review of the 2025 Budget reveals disproportionately low allocations for critical infrastructure projects in our region compared to others.”

“The state of our road networks, including the East-West Road, Benin-Auchi Road, Benin-Warri, and Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, is deplorable.

“Additionally, the near-total dysfunction of our seaports is an economic setback, given that the Niger Delta occupies the largest portion of Nigeria’s coastline.”

They expressed deep concern about the president’s delay in giving presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission Bill duly passed by the National Assembly.

They raised the alarm over the escalating kidnappings, violent attacks, and activities of so-called unknown gunmen in the region, saying, “If left unchecked, this could force local populations to resort to self-help, a situation we must collectively work to prevent.

“We, therefore, call for enhanced security measures, including improved intelligence gathering and enforcement efforts to ensure the safety and stability of our region. 

“We urge that the proposed Coast Guard, which draws its staffing mostly from the littoral states, be established forthwith.”

The South-South leaders demanded greater participation of their people in the oil and gas sector

Closing prayers

Meanwhile, the auxiliary Catholic Bishop of the Calabar Diocese in Cross River State, His Lordship Christopher Naseri, offered special prayers for the president before the concluding national anthem.

After the group photographs, the president shook hands with the delegates on the front row, and others lined up on the route back to his office.