The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly condemned remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, describing them as unwarranted and disrespectful.
The condemnation was made by the National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, during a press conference held in Abuja.
Addressing journalists, Ambassador Igali stated that the press conference was originally intended to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for hosting a high-level South-South delegation at the State House on March 11, 2025. However, he said the organization found it necessary to respond to Wike’s controversial media chat held a day after the visit, where the minister reportedly made disparaging remarks about PANDEF and its leadership.
According to PANDEF, the meeting with President Tinubu was attended by prominent South-South leaders, including traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, retired military officers, and business leaders. Discussions during the engagement focused on key regional and national issues such as:
Sustaining peace in Rivers State and PANDEF’s mediatory efforts
Presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill
Urgent infrastructure development, including roads and ports
Addressing socio-economic challenges affecting victims of the Bakassi crisis
Enhancing oil production and increasing South-South participation in the oil and gas sector
Environmental cleanup in oil-producing states
Ambassador Igali noted that President Tinubu acknowledged these concerns and assured PANDEF of his commitment to following up on them.
PANDEF expressed shock and disappointment over Wike’s media chat, where he allegedly described PANDEF as “the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa to seek financial favors.
“It is highly inappropriate for a serving minister to attack a respected organization like PANDEF, which comprises some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities,” Igali said.
The minister’s remarks, he added, also included insults directed at revered South-South leaders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark and His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former military governor of Rivers State and PANDEF’s Board of Trustees chairman.
Ambassador Igali reiterated PANDEF’s commitment to mediating the political crisis in Rivers State, as directed by President Tinubu. He stated that PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee has been actively engaging key stakeholders to foster dialogue. However, he criticized Wike for allegedly refusing to engage with the committee, despite repeated outreach efforts.
The Peace and Reconciliation Committee, he noted, includes respected figures such as:
Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State
Col. Pam Ogar, former military governor of Kwara State
Admiral Jonah John, former deputy governor of Bayelsa State
Chief Stella Omu, Engr. Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, and Senator Roland Owie, all former Chief Whips of the Senate
Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu, former leader in the House of Representatives
While Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has shown willingness to cooperate with the committee, Igali said Wike has continued to dismiss its efforts
PANDEF called on President Tinubu to prevail upon Wike to retract his statements and show respect to South-South elders and traditional rulers.
“The Minister does not own the Niger Delta, and his errant conduct should not be condoned,” Igali stated.
Despite the controversy, PANDEF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta, pledging to continue its engagements with all stakeholders.
The press conference ended with a strong message that PANDEF remains committed to ensuring harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region, despite opposition from certain quarters.
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