The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) reconciliation committee set up to mediate in the Rivers State political crisis has met with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, the two actors in the rift.
PANDEF’s National Chairman Dr Godknows Igali, disclosed this to The PUNCH on Saturday.
The Forum recently set up a seven-man reconciliation committee under former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN to seek solutions to the protracted political crisis in the state.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Scandinavian countries, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway, said the committee comprises respectable Nigerians who are making headway, adding that both Wike and Fubara are cooperating with the members.
He said both Woke and Fubara have attended the meeting held and gave a listening ear to the committee, adding that it was an indication that they also want peace.
According to Igali, after the meeting with both actors, the committee has reached out to other critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers supporting either side, adding that progress was being made and there was no cause for alarm.
“The committee is on the ground as we speak now in Port Harcourt, holding meetings with critical stakeholders. They have met with Wike and the governor. They had an exhaustive meeting with the governor. They have met with elders from the two sides.
“There is a lot of progress taking place. So, there should be no fear. If Wike and the governor were not ready to cooperate, they would not meet with them (committee). That they could accept to meet with them means that they too want a solution,” Igali said.
He said the people are not afraid of Fubara’s impeachment plot, saying, the crisis would be managed.
Igali said a crisis in Rivers State will affect the entire country.
“We are from a region that has very credible elders. Let the elders intervene and see what they could do. And I can assure you that so far, all parties are cooperating with them.
“So, the committee is very busy meeting people. They may not meet the whole assembly but they meet two or three of their leaders.
“The whole country is disturbed and because the people concerned are people with reputation and integrity and our organisation, PANDEF itself is a regional leading body, so everybody is satisfied with what is happening.”
