Peace may be in sight in the seemingly intractable dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and and his predecessor and currently Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.
This follows the intervention of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, which has resolved to reconcile the duo.
The Forum, headed by elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has announced the setting up of a High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to address the disagreement between Wike, and his political godson, Fubara.
In a communiqué that was issued after a special general assembly meeting of the Forum in Port Harcourt at the weekend, it was disclosed that the committee would address the dispute and find solution.
The Communique was signed by King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass as Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees; former Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway), Dr. Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman; Hon Godwin Okotie, Ag. National Secretary and Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Spokesman.
Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, PANDEF BOT, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, is heading the reconciliation committee.
Other members are Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien; former Senate Whip, Senator Rowland Owie; Senator Stella Omu; former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah; H. E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu.
“The Assembly hereby sets up a High Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate on and resolve all disputes and conflicts within the area. The Committee is headed by His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Pandef BOT. Others on the Committee are Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Stella Omu, H. E. Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah, H. E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu,” the Communique said.
Wike and Fubara we’re conspicuously absent from the list but when asked, PANDEF’s Spokesman explained their omission: “Wike and Fubara are not members of the cttee but the mandate of the cttee includes reconciling their conflict.”
Wike and Fubara have been involved in a bitter fight over the control of the state, a development that has split the state in the middle and fragmented even the state legislative assembly.
The Communique further said: “A Special General Assembly of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) was held at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on October 24, 2024. The Assembly was was hosted by His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State and attended by delegates from all the six State Chapters, members of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Council. The Assembly was jointly chaired by His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, first Military Governor of Rivers State, and Co-Chairman of PANDEF Board of Trustees and His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman of PANDEF Board of Trustees.
“Other dignitaries present included former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George and former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiagha John-Jonah, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia, His Royal Majesty, King Dandelson Jaja, Treaty King of Opobo Kingdom and Chairman, South South Monarchs Council. Others were serving and former Ministers, Ambassadors, Academics, leaders of Ethnic Nationality Organisations, Federal and states Legislators, leaders of women and youth associations, and the media.
“The theme of the Special General Assembly was: “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta”. Goodwill messages were delivered by eminent leaders and nationalists of the South South geopolitical zone, including Chief Senator (Dr.) E. K. Clark, OFR, CON, Elder Statesman and National Leader of PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman (PANDEF), Sen. (Dr.) Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Amb. Joe Keshi, Director-General (BRACED Commission, etc.”