The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has drawn a line in the sand regarding the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. In an emergency communiqué issued this morning, the apex socio-cultural body announced the constitution of a high-powered reconciliation panel aimed at stopping the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The move comes as the feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, threatens to plunge the oil-rich state into anarchy. The state assembly, largely loyal to Wike, has signaled its intent to remove the Governor, a move PANDEF warns could trigger widespread unrest in the Niger Delta.

"We Will Not Watch the House Burn"

Chief Edwin Clark, the leader of PANDEF, emphasized that the stability of Rivers State is synonymous with the stability of Nigeria’s economy. "We cannot allow personal egos to derail governance," he stated. The committee is tasked with engaging both the Wike and Fubara camps to broker a ceasefire.

• The Stakes: Rivers State is a critical hub for Nigeria's oil and gas sector. Political instability here often correlates with a rise in militancy and disruption of crude production.
• The Committee's Mandate: The panel has been given 14 days to resolve the impasse. It includes respected traditional rulers, retired jurists, and religious leaders who command respect across the political divide.

A Test of Influence

Political analysts argue that PANDEF's intervention is a litmus test for the region's elders. With the federal government largely watching from the sidelines, the ability of local leadership to resolve the conflict will determine the trajectory of the state for the remainder of the electoral cycle.