PANDEF Demands Public Apology from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for Disparaging Remarks Against South-South Leaders
Calls on President Tinubu to Ensure Respect for PANDEF and Recognized Distinguished Niger Delta Elders, Leaders.
Abuja, Nigeria – March 15, 2025 – The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has issued a strong demand for a public apology from the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, following his shocking and unacceptable verbal attack on the region’s revered leaders.
During a media chat on March 12, 2025, Wike publicly insulted PANDEF and its leadership, describing the organization as “the worst ever” and falsely alleging that its members visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu merely to seek financial favors. Even more disgraceful were his derogatory remarks about late Chief Edwin Clark, a national icon and founding father of PANDEF, and his disrespect towards King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the former Military Governor of Rivers State and PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Chairman.
This blatant disregard for the South-South leadership is not only an affront to the elders of the Niger Delta but also a direct insult to President Tinubu himself, who formally recognized and honored these leaders during their engagement at the Presidential Villa on March 11, 2025.
Why Wike Must Apologize
1. Disrespect to Niger Delta Leaders and Elders
Wike’s disparaging remarks against PANDEF and its distinguished members undermine the integrity, credibility, and collective wisdom of the region’s traditional rulers, elder statesmen, and political leaders. These individuals have spent decades advocating for the rights, development, and stability of the Niger Delta, and they deserve the utmost respect—not public ridicule.
2. An Indirect Insult to President Tinubu
By attacking PANDEF—the very organization President Tinubu invited for a high-level engagement—Wike is questioning the President’s judgment and dismissing the credibility of those the Commander-in-Chief deemed worthy of consultation. His actions suggest that the President does not know who to engage with on critical regional matters, which is a brazen act of disrespect to the nation’s leader.
3. Undermining Efforts for Peace and Stability in the Niger Delta
PANDEF has been at the forefront of peace and reconciliation efforts in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta. President Tinubu personally tasked PANDEF with mediating conflicts and ensuring long-term stability in the region. Wike’s reckless statements jeopardize this process and could fuel tensions instead of fostering unity.
4. Hypocrisy and Lack of Humility
As a son of the South-South region who rose from humble beginnings, Wike should show respect to the very leaders who paved the way for his political growth. His attack on them demonstrates ingratitude and arrogance, rather than the humility and respect expected of a public servant.
PANDEF’s Demands
In light of these unwarranted and reckless attacks, PANDEF formally demands the following:
1. A Public Retraction and Apology – Chief Nyesom Wike must issue a clear and unequivocal apology to PANDEF, the traditional rulers, elder statesmen, and the entire Niger Delta region for his insulting remarks. This must be done through the same public platform where he made the defamatory statements.
2. Presidential Intervention – PANDEF calls on President Tinubu to ensure that Wike apologizes and upholds respect for the leaders the President himself recognized and honored. The President must make it clear that such reckless disrespect will not be tolerated in his administration.
3. Constructive Engagement from Wike – Rather than disparaging those working for the peace and development of the South-South, Wike should cooperate with PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which has been mediating the political crisis in Rivers State. His refusal to engage in the peace process raises serious questions about his commitment to the stability of his home region.
The Consequences of Inaction
Failure to compel Wike to apologize would send a dangerous signal that public officials can insult and undermine the nation’s traditional institutions and elder statesmen without accountability. It would also embolden others to disrespect the leadership structures that have been instrumental in shaping national discourse and regional stability.
Moreover, if Wike refuses to retract his statements, PANDEF and the entire Niger Delta will view his hostility as an attack on the region itself—one that is unbecoming of a public servant from the same South-South he seeks to disparage.
Conclusion
PANDEF remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, respect, and the development of the Niger Delta. The organization will not allow any individual, regardless of position, to denigrate the revered institutions and leaders of the region.
We call on President Tinubu to take immediate action and ensure that Chief Nyesom Wike issues a full and public apology to PANDEF and the esteemed leaders of the South-South region. This is not just about PANDEF—it is about upholding the dignity of our elders, maintaining the sanctity of national leadership engagements, and preserving the respect that is due to the office of the President himself.
Nigeria is built on respect, dialogue, and collaboration. It is time for Wike to demonstrate these values by acknowledging his mistake and offering a sincere apology to those he has insulted.
Signed:
Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali
National Chairman, PANDEF
The conflict in the Rivers State has been a trending subject over the last few months. It has attracted some backlash against the President Tinubu ‘s governance primarily due to the acts of impunity by the former Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike who has now become a Federal Minister in President Tinubu’s cabinet under the President’s direct supervision.
Nigerians at home and abroad, especially indigenes of Rivers State, have gone on the media and international media to express themselves on the controversy ignorantly blaming Mr. President for supporting Wike.
The President invited PANDEF to engage on ways to resolve the crisis for peace, but Wike insulted them and refused to grant them the audience.
This matter now requires the President’s intervention to call Wike to order so that peace may return to the region.
Dr. Amiida
Headlinenews.news.
