The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political voice of the South-South peoples has called on all stakeholders in the Rivers State political crisis to collaborate fully with the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee which was constituted at its General Assembly on 24th October, 2024.
A statement signed by the National, Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali said the committee is made of respected personalities from the region who have pledged commitment to resolving the crisis.
The statement which was made available to Niger Delta Herald Online, urge all parties to sheathe their swords and give way for a peaceful resolution of the impasse.
The statement titled “POLITICAL CONFLICT : PAN NIGER DELTA FORUM , PANDEF REITERATES CALL FOR ALL PARTIES TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH THE OBONG VICTOR ATTAH LED PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE.” read: “The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political voice of the South-South peoples calls on all stakeholders to collaborate fully with the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee which was constituted at its General Assembly on 24th October, 2024.
“The Committee which comprises some of the most respected , accomplished & patriotic Nigerain Elder Statesmen from the region, have accepted to make personal sacrifices to intervene and resolve the current political conflict in the State which has been counterproductive and wasteful. They include;
*i. Obong Victor Attah:* A renowned national leader and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, known for his exemplary leadership and commitment to peace and development.
*ii. Senator Roland Owie:* A seasoned politician and former Chief Whip of the 4th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with extensive experience in legislative affairs and conflict resolution.
*iii. Sen. (Engr.) Emmanuel Ibok Essien:* A highly respected engineer and former Chief Whip of the 5th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a strong track record in public service and community development.
*iv. Chief (Mrs.) Sen. Stella Omu:* A distinguished politician and former Chief Whip of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a wealth of experience in public administration and women’s empowerment.
*v. Col. Peter Asam Mbu Ogar:* A decorated military officer and former ECOMOG Commander, former GOC 1st Division, Kaduna, and former Military Governor of Kwara State (1996-1998), with extensive experience in conflict management and resolution.
*vi. Admiral John Jonah:* A highly respected naval officer and former military leader and Commandant, National Defence College and immediate past Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State with a strong background in strategic planning and conflict resolution.
*vii. Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Stella Dorgu:* A former member, Federal House of Representatives (Secretary).”
The statement further emphasized that “PANDEF notes with concern the recent resort to electronic and social media platforms to cast unfounded aspersions, spread falsehoods, and fuel tensions, all aimed at diverting the focus of this Committee and defeat the good purpose behind the peace & reconciliation effort. In this regard we urge all stakeholders, not only to support the Committee but to also exercise restraint and avoid actions or utterances capable of inflaming the situation and causing further avoidable escalation, so as to pave the way for peace to return to the State for the sake of the citizens of the State , the region and the Nation at large.”