The Pan‑Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has inaugurated a seven‑member Peace and Reconciliation Committee to mediate the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, the socio‑political organisation said in a statement on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
The committee has been given a two‑week timeline to broker a truce between warring factions and restore stability.
PANDEF, the apex socio‑political body representing the South‑South geopolitical zone, expressed “grave concern” over the deepening political tensions in Rivers State, which have drawn national attention amid impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and persistent disputes involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The high‑level committee is chaired by Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, CON, a former Attorney‑General of the Federation, and was inaugurated under the authority of PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali.
Other members of the panel include eminent leaders drawn from across the South‑South region, reflecting PANDEF’s intent to present a neutral and respected mediation team.
In its communiqué, PANDEF urged Wike, Fubara, lawmakers and other stakeholders to make political sacrifices and embrace forgiveness to end the protracted impasse.
The committee’s terms of reference include facilitating structured dialogue, identifying common ground and recommending steps towards de‑escalation of hostilities and adherence to democratic norms.
Chief Agabi, speaking shortly after his appointment, emphasised the urgent need for all parties to prioritise peace, mutual respect and constructive engagement. He called on political actors to consider the broader interests of Rivers residents, whose livelihoods are affected by the instability.
The move by PANDEF follows increasing tensions that escalated into a third impeachment process against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, initiated by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Lawmakers allege gross misconduct, including unauthorised spending and failure to present the state budget, heightening the political crisis.
PANDEF’s intervention also aligns with previous calls from regional and national stakeholders for dialogue and political solutions to the crisis, which has persisted since late 2023 and has involved multiple peace efforts, including federal engagement.
Analysts say mediation efforts are critical to avoid further constitutional and governance breakdowns that could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
The committee’s two‑week mandate underscores the urgency of achieving a peaceful resolution ahead of further political milestones in 2026.
Observers note that PANDEF’s leadership in this mediation reflects its influence as a key regional body seeking to stabilise political tensions in the Niger Delta and uphold democratic governance.
Political stakeholders and civil society groups are expected to monitor the committee’s progress closely, as constructive engagement and compliance with its recommendations could determine whether the Rivers crisis moves towards reconciliation or further escalation.
