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PANDEF Launches Reconciliation Committee to Address Wike-Fubara Dispute
PANDEF Launches Reconciliation Committee to Address Wike-Fubara Dispute
By Tobouke Jemine
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), under the leadership of South-South elder Chief Edwin Clark, has established a high-level Peace and Reconciliation Committee to address ongoing tensions between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This move was confirmed in a communiqué released after PANDEF’s Special General Assembly in Port Harcourt, where leaders emphasized the committee’s role in mitigating all regional conflicts.
The communiqué, signed by PANDEF dignitaries including King Alfred Diette-Spiff, former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah, and National Chairman Dr. Godknows Igali, noted that the committee, chaired by Attah, comprises respected figures like Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Senator Rowland Owie, and former Bayelsa Deputy Governor Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah. While not directly cited in the communiqué, PANDEF representatives clarified that Wike and Fubara’s rift would be addressed within the committee’s mandate.
The Wike-Fubara feud has persisted since Fubara assumed office in 2023, largely centered on power dynamics within Rivers State. Efforts by President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders to resolve the issue have yet to yield lasting peace.
PANDEF also voiced strong disapproval of President Tinubu’s recent dissolution of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, urging the government to reconsider, especially in light of national oil production goals. PANDEF stated that the ministry was established to address unique challenges facing the Niger Delta, including environmental degradation and the region’s economic significance.
In other recommendations, PANDEF called for free education across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels in the Niger Delta, aiming for at least one tertiary institution per LGA and a 25% budget allocation for education in line with UNESCO guidelines.
Additionally, PANDEF urged the federal government to complete the East-West Highway, construct the Calabar-Lagos railway, and implement a maritime transit system for riverine communities. The forum also called for greater investment in green energy and local refineries, aligning with global climate goals.
The assembly, held at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, was hosted by Governor Fubara and attended by South-South leaders, traditional rulers, former military officials, and stakeholders from various sectors. Under the theme “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta,” attendees shared messages of goodwill, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation for sustainable development.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice