The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed disappointment over the actions of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accusing him of hindering peace efforts in Rivers State. Despite appeals for reconciliation, particularly from President Bola Tinubu, PANDEF claims that Wike’s refusal to cooperate with the peace initiative has stalled progress in resolving the political crisis currently rocking the state.
At a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Obong Victor Attah, alongside the group’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, outlined the challenges they have faced in trying to mediate the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State. The group pointed out that Wike’s continued rejection of peace talks and his recent disparaging remarks about PANDEF had only escalated the situation.
The crisis in Rivers State has been a focal point of concern for PANDEF, which represents the South-South region. The group had set up a team of eminent elders to mediate the political conflict in the state and prevent it from worsening. However, Attah stated that despite repeated attempts to engage with Wike, the former governor of Rivers State has remained uncooperative, further deepening the political divide.
“We have tried multiple times to meet with Chief Nyesom Wike, but he continues to rebuff our peace efforts,” Attah said. “It is deeply troubling that Chief Wike has dismissed PANDEF as ‘the worst organization for anyone to rely on,’ despite the fact that we are the ones working to avert a full-blown crisis in Rivers State.”
Attah went on to emphasize that peace negotiations require cooperation from all parties involved, and Wike’s refusal to engage in dialogue has made it impossible to move forward. “Negotiation cannot happen if one party refuses to participate,” he added. “We need all parties to be available and willing to engage if we are to achieve peace.”
The issue came to a head following a meeting between PANDEF’s delegation and President Bola Tinubu on March 11, 2025. During the meeting, PANDEF discussed a wide range of issues, including the political situation in Rivers State. Attah noted that the group had conveyed to the president the difficulties they had encountered in getting Wike to participate in the peace talks.
“We informed Mr. President about the challenges we are facing in securing Wike’s cooperation,” Attah explained. “The President was very receptive to our concerns, and he urged us to continue our peace efforts. However, it is clear that without Wike’s involvement, it will be difficult to find a resolution.”
Despite the President’s support, PANDEF felt that Wike’s comments following their meeting were undermining the peace process. Just a day after their engagement with President Tinubu, Wike publicly discredited PANDEF, calling it an unreliable organization and questioning its integrity. “It is very disappointing that Chief Wike would make such remarks, especially after we had a productive meeting with the President,” Attah said.
The criticism of PANDEF by Wike was not limited to the group’s peace efforts. He also made disparaging remarks about the late Chief Edwin Clark, a respected leader of the Niger Delta region and a founding member of PANDEF. In the wake of Clark’s death, Wike’s comments were seen as disrespectful and unbecoming of a public figure, especially since Clark had made significant contributions to the development of the Niger Delta.
Ambassador Igali condemned Wike’s comments, stressing that such behavior was unacceptable. “Wike’s attack on PANDEF, an organization comprising respected traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, and retired senior military officers, is appalling,” Igali said. “Even more disturbing is his lack of respect for Chief Edwin Clark, a statesman who worked tirelessly for the development of the Niger Delta. His recent comments are a direct insult to the late Clark’s legacy and his contributions to our region.”
Igali further emphasized that PANDEF remained committed to peace and reconciliation, despite the challenges posed by Wike’s stance. “We continue to call for the involvement of all parties in the peace process. However, Chief Wike’s unwillingness to engage is a significant barrier,” Igali said.
In spite of the setbacks, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to peace in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region. The group made it clear that it would not back down from its efforts to facilitate dialogue, even in the face of ongoing resistance.
“If this impasse persists, we may have no choice but to disband the Peace and Reconciliation Committee and step back from the mediation efforts,” Attah warned. “However, we are deeply concerned that this could have catastrophic consequences for the state and the region.”
Igali also appealed directly to Wike to reconsider his position, urging him to engage in meaningful discussions for the greater good of Rivers State. “We urge Chief Wike to put aside personal differences and focus on the collective good of Rivers State. The path to peace requires participation from all parties, and we ask him to play his part in this important process.”
Both Attah and Igali emphasized that maintaining dignity and respect for one another is essential in the pursuit of peace. They called on Wike to reconsider his stance and extend respect to both PANDEF and the late Chief Edwin Clark.
“Conflicts can only be resolved through negotiation and dialogue,” Igali stated. “It is crucial for leaders to maintain respect for one another, even when disagreements arise. We appeal to Chief Wike to engage in peace talks and respect the process, for the sake of Rivers State and its people.”
Despite the obstacles, PANDEF expressed confidence that President Tinubu would continue to support the peace initiative and ensure that the concerns of the South-South region were addressed. The group remains hopeful that a resolution to the political crisis in Rivers State can be achieved, but it is clear that Wike’s cooperation is crucial for any meaningful progress to be made.
