The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of deliberately obstructing efforts to restore peace in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Obong Victor Attah, chairman of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, revealed that despite multiple attempts to engage Wike in dialogue, the former Rivers governor has remained unyielding. This, he said, directly undermines President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for reconciliation.
Flanked by PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, Attah lamented Wike’s refusal to meet with the committee, warning that the situation in Rivers could escalate if decisive action is not taken.
“We constituted a neutral peace committee to mediate in this crisis, but Chief Wike has continuously rebuffed our efforts,” Attah stated. “Dialogue cannot happen if one party refuses to engage.”
PANDEF disclosed that on March 11, 2025, a delegation met with President Tinubu, urging him to intervene before the crisis worsens. The group warned that if Wike remains unwilling to cooperate, they may be forced to withdraw from mediation efforts entirely—an outcome that could have dire consequences for the state’s stability.
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on the Presidency to see whether Tinubu will step in to break the deadlock.
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