The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the leading socio-political organisation of Nigeria’s South-South region, has established a seven-member peace and reconciliation committee to address the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. The committee has been given a two-week deadline to restore stability and foster dialogue in the state.

The panel is chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, SAN, with Senator Obende Domingo serving as Vice Chairman. Other members include former Minister of Housing Chief Essien Nduese, retired Federal Permanent Secretary Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, retired DSS Director Chief Mike Ejiofor, former Cross River State Attorney-General Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, and Prince Godwin Okotie, PANDEF’s Deputy National Secretary, who will act as Secretary.

PANDEF National Chairman, Godknows Igali, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Monday, emphasizing its mandate to reduce tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, restore stability, and facilitate constructive dialogue between the executive and legislature. He also called on both Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who are PANDEF members, to honor the committee’s recommendations.

The committee is tasked with identifying key actors in the crisis, engaging stakeholders including former governors, traditional rulers, and political leaders, and submitting a detailed report with recommendations to PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and President within 14 days.

In his acceptance speech, Agabi described the assignment as a solemn responsibility and urged all parties to approach the process with humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to dialogue. He warned that a prolonged conflict could negatively impact the welfare of Rivers State residents and pose risks to national stability.

The inauguration was attended by prominent leaders, including the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, former governors, and Obong Victor Attah. Diete-Spiff urged both Wike and Fubara to embrace peace, while Attah highlighted the need for neutrality and prioritizing the welfare of Rivers State citizens above personal interests.

In a related development, two Rivers State House of Assembly members—Sylvanus Enyi Nwankwo (Omuma State Constituency) and Peter Abi (Degema State Constituency)—withdrew support for the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. In a video shared with SaharaReporters, they urged their colleagues to seek a political solution rather than removal from office, appealing to temper justice with mercy and pursue an amicable resolution.