News
PANDEF Reconciliation Committee Appeals for Peace in Rivers State Crisis
By: Derick Peretengboro
Port Harcourt, 12 January 2026 — A Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to political actors in Rivers State to end the ongoing crisis that has deeply affected governance and public confidence in the oil-rich state.
Headed by Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, the Committee was inaugurated on 12th January 2026 to “explore ways of bringing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to an end,” a crisis, the Committee noted, that “has persisted for too long.”
In a statement at the inauguration, Chief Agabi said the Committee was privileged to serve and expressed gratitude to God and PANDEF leadership, particularly Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapraye Diete Spiff, former Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass. The statement described Sir Diete Spiff as “a man whose commitment to the South-South and the nation as a whole has never been in doubt,” adding that “it is the sacrifices of men like him that bequeathed the States of the South-South to the people of that area.”
Highlighting the gravity of the state’s political stand-off, the Committee warned that continuing conflict could erode confidence in the political actors’ commitment to the “interest of the people of Rivers State and of the nation.”
Using a local proverb to caution against self-destructive disputes, the statement urged caution: “Let the parties involved not be as the Clam and the Oyster … The fisherman picked them up, took them home and made a nice fine meal of Clam and Oyster. May it not be with Rivers State as it was with the Clam and the Oyster.”
Chief Agabi expressed optimism that the crisis could be resolved without external intervention, arguing that “the parties to this dispute are one people who began as one” and urging humility: “If they have now offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologize and to forgive. It is in forgiving that true greatness can be found.”
The Committee called for goodwill and prayer, countering the often-held view that religion has no place in politics. The statement read: “The misconception that God has no place in our politics has harmed and continues to harm the nation … Whether we are governors or ministers or legislators … it is to God that we owe our appointments and promotions.”
On the key figures involved in the crisis, Chief Agabi spoke personally of both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Governor Fubara, saying: “The Minister … is my friend. He is my benefactor.… The mighty hand of God is upon him. That great Hand demands that he should lead this reconciliation … I trust [Governor Fubara] to respect that bond.”
The Committee also extended respect to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, praying for “a change of heart on their part” and urging them that “in forgiving the Governor whatever wrongs he has committed … they will demonstrate … restraint, … public spirit and … maturity.”
Concluding its charge, the Committee emphasized that it was not a judicial body, but an appeal for unity: “This Committee is not appointed to sit in judgment … Our duty is to appeal to the parties to be reconciled with one another… We appeal to the parties to embrace reconciliation… Sacrifices are called for. Make them and let there be peace.”
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Godknows Boladei Igali, has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State, describing it as a significant step in advancing development efforts in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Friday, Igali said the President’s presence in the state for the commissioning of major projects underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructural growth in the region. He characterized the visit as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to addressing development needs in oil-producing communities.
The former envoy also praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for delivering key projects designed to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state. According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives represent meaningful progress in Bayelsa’s development trajectory.
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Fo observed that the newly completed projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost commercial activities, and open up employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the state.
Igali further urged residents to accord the President a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective support for policies that drive national development.
President Tinubu’s visit includes the inauguration of several strategic projects executed by the state government, a move widely viewed by stakeholders as strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities in fostering sustainable growth.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed that its rescheduled national elections will hold on April 13, 2026, declaring its Electoral Committee (ELECO) fully prepared and cautioning against any directive capable of undermining the process.
The resolution followed an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 9 at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, convened to assess the level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
INC NEC Affirms ELECO Readiness
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC unanimously endorsed the report presented by ELECO, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness and affirming that the elections would proceed as scheduled.
The council stated that members “endorsed the report of the ELECO… that the rescheduled INC National elections should hold on the 13th of April 2026 as planned.”
It further noted that concerns raised at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Bayelsa State Government in March had been adequately addressed.
Affirmation of Electoral Independence
The NEC stressed the need to preserve the independence of the electoral body, directing that ELECO be allowed to carry out its responsibilities without interference.
According to the communiqué, ELECO is to “carry out its assignment without interference from other organs of Congress, except to receive logistics support from the NEC.”
The council also expressed confidence in the committee’s readiness, particularly in the preparation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
Clarifies CITRE’s Role
In a move seen as addressing internal governance concerns, the NEC clarified the constitutional role of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), describing it as an advisory organ in line with Article 14(D) of the INC 2019 Constitution.
It noted that CITRE’s functions in election matters are limited to clearing nominees and managing disputes arising from the electoral process, similar to the role of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
The NEC, however, reiterated its openness to constructive input from CITRE, BOT and other organs, provided such advice aligns with the overall interest of the Congress.
INC Discourages Misinformation
The council issued a strong advisory to the public and stakeholders to disregard any information or directive inconsistent with the official position of ELECO.
“The general public is therefore advised to discountenance any information or directive that runs contrary to the position of the ELECO…,” the communiqué stated.
NEC Attendance Across INC Structures
The meeting drew a wide representation of leadership across the INC structure, including NEC members, BOT officials, CITRE leaders, National Representative Committee (NRC) members, zonal executives and chapter representatives.
Among those in attendance were INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; National Secretary, Engr. Ebiowei Wodu; Acting Chairman of CITRE (East), HRH (Gen. Rt.) B.A. Fipinimama; ELECO Chairman, HRM (Justice) Dr. F. F. Tabai; and ELECO Vice Chairman, HRM Seiyifa Koroye.
Others included ELECO Secretary, Dr. Otobo Choice Jamaica; former INC President, Prof. A.W. Obianime; National Legal Adviser, Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe; National Organising Secretary, Onengiyeofori Fenibo; and Leader of the NRC, HRH (Dr.) Anyanate Kio.
Also present were CITRE leader, HRH Okoko Stample Esau (PhD); BOT Vice Chairman, Chief M. Tiemo; BOT Secretary, Barr. Fidelis Agbiki; National Treasurer, High Chief Philip B. Agu; National Women Leader, Alali R. Danagogo; and Vice President, Rose Obuoforibo.
Chapter and zonal representatives included Barr. Agha Toru-Ibe (Benin City Secretary), Ephraim Gogo (Benin City Chairman), Tonye Harry (Lagos Chairman), A. Elayelagha (Lagos Secretary), Daniel Ebijor Tonibor (Abuja Chairman), Tete K. Friday (Abuja Assistant Secretary), Ajele Ayokeji Johnson (Akure Chairman), John Ebiofini (Akure Secretary), and Chief Bare Etolor (Chairman, Ijaw Elders Forum).
Others were HRH Akcheseinimie Micah Frank (BOT member), Princess Ebiseni Adesola Joyce (NRC Deputy Leader), Elder Gabriel Benamiensia (NRC Clerk), Karibo Lawrence (Eastern Zone Vice Chairman), God’swill Seke (Central Zone Secretary), Mrs. Peremo Isenali Opiali (National Welfare Secretary), and King Koma A. Eteko (CITRE Deputy Chairman).
The NEC’s resolution is widely interpreted as a strategic effort to consolidate authority within the INC and prevent internal divisions ahead of the elections.
By reaffirming ELECO’s independence and clarifying institutional roles, the leadership appears focused on ensuring a credible, transparent and conflict-free electoral process.
With the April 13 date now firmly set, attention will shift to the conduct of the elections and the ability of the Congress to sustain unity in the post-election period.