PANDEF Meets Wike, Fubara as Impeachment Storm Rages

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has stepped into the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, as its reconciliation committee held separate meetings with Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara in a bid to halt rising tensions and avert looming impeachment threats against the governor.

The intervention comes amid a deepening power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The crisis has polarised the Rivers State House of Assembly and disrupted governance in the oil-rich state.

PANDEF, the apex socio-political body of the Niger Delta, said the meetings were part of efforts to restore peace, unity, and political stability in Rivers State, warning that prolonged instability could have serious economic and security implications for the region.

Sources familiar with the meetings disclosed that the reconciliation committee urged both parties to embrace dialogue, restraint, and mutual respect, stressing that the impeachment of a sitting governor would further inflame tensions rather than resolve underlying issues.

The impeachment threats stem from a protracted disagreement over control of political structures and governance direction in the state, which has led to factional divisions within the state legislature and sparked concerns among residents and investors.

Civil society groups and regional leaders have also expressed worry that the crisis could undermine democratic governance and development in Rivers State if not urgently resolved.

PANDEF, in its position, emphasised that Rivers State plays a critical role in the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s economy, and therefore requires political stability to function effectively. The group called on all stakeholders, including lawmakers, party leaders, and security agencies, to act responsibly in the interest of peace.

While no formal agreement has been announced, PANDEF said consultations would continue, expressing cautious optimism that sustained dialogue could de-escalate the crisis and prevent further deterioration of the political situation.

As the impeachment threat persists, residents of Rivers State and observers across the country are closely watching whether the intervention will succeed in steering the state away from a full-blown constitutional and political showdown.