STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR DR. GODKNOWS IGALI, NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF PANDEF, ON PRESIDENTIAL ENGAGEMENT WITH NIGER DELTA LEADERS AND DEMAND FOR APOLOGY FROM THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF THE FCT
March 15, 2025
PANDEF, as the foremost socio-cultural and political body representing the Niger Delta, expresses profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his gracious reception of a high-level South-South delegation at the State House, Abuja, on March 11, 2025. This engagement was a pivotal step in addressing critical concerns affecting the region and strengthening the government’s relationship with its leadership.
Purpose of the Visit and Delegation Members
The visit, held at the invitation of President Tinubu himself, was attended by eminent South-South leaders, including:
Senior traditional rulers, including the chairpersons of at least four of the six South-South states’ traditional councils.
Former Governors of Niger Delta states.
Former presiding officers of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Ministers and retired senior military officers.
Business leaders, prominent academics, and key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
This distinguished delegation engaged with Mr. President on crucial issues of national and regional importance, including.
1. Ensuring peace and stability in Rivers State, with PANDEF playing a mediatory role in resolving ongoing political tensions.
2. Presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, which, having passed the National Assembly, is crucial to equitable development in the region.
3. Urgent infrastructure development, particularly improving road networks and optimizing the utilization and expansion of ports.
4. Addressing socio-economic challenges faced by victims of the Bakassi crisis, ensuring that those displaced receive adequate support.
5. Enhancing Niger Delta representation in the governance of the oil and gas sector, promoting fairness in employment, resource allocation, and decision-making.
6. A comprehensive environmental remediation plan for oil-producing states suffering from decades of pollution and degradation.
7. Continued advocacy for true federalism and restructuring, ensuring a governance model that reflects fairness and regional autonomy.
During the meeting, President Tinubu not only reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing these issues but also recognized PANDEF as the paramount socio-cultural organization representing the Niger Delta. In a particularly solemn moment, he honored the late Chief Edwin Clark, convener of PANDEF, Niger Delta leader and an icon of South-South advocacy, with a minute of silence—a gesture that reaffirmed the government’s respect for the region’s leadership.
Reprehensible Comments by the Honourable Minister of the FCT
It is, therefore, both shocking and unacceptable that within 24 hours of this high-level engagement, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, launched an unprovoked and unwarranted attack on PANDEF and its leadership during a media chat.
The Minister’s derogatory claim that PANDEF is “the worst organization ever” and his false insinuation that its members visited the Presidential Villa for financial benefits are not only baseless but also a direct insult to the integrity of the esteemed traditional rulers, statesmen, and business leaders who represented the region.
Even more appalling was his disrespectful reference to the late Chief Edwin Clark, a revered statesman whose legacy was recognized by the President himself. Furthermore, his attack on His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and PANDEF’s Board of Trustees Chairman, is an affront to the dignity of the South-South people.
At a time when PANDEF is working tirelessly to foster peace and reconciliation in Rivers State, the Honourable Minister’s public outburst is both reckless and counterproductive. His refusal to engage with PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which includes respected elder statesmen, further underscores his unwillingness to support a lasting resolution to the crisis in Rivers State.
PANDEF’s Demand for a Public Apology
In light of these unfortunate developments, PANDEF demands the following:
1. A public retraction of these defamatory statements by the Honourable Minister of the FCT.
2. A formal apology to PANDEF, the Niger Delta traditional rulers, statesmen, and leaders whom he insulted.
3. A reaffirmation by all public officials of their commitment to respectful and constructive engagement, especially on matters of national unity.
PANDEF stands firm in its resolve that the Niger Delta and its leaders must be accorded the respect they deserve. The Honourable Minister’s attempt to undermine the delegation’s credibility is not just an insult to PANDEF, but to the entire South-South region and the esteemed individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service.
Despite this regrettable episode, PANDEF remains committed to its mandate of peacebuilding, regional stability, and economic advancement in the Niger Delta. Our Peace and Reconciliation Committee, consisting of some of the country’s most respected statesmen, has been actively engaging stakeholders to ensure lasting peace in Rivers State.
We acknowledge the positive steps taken by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in working with the committee, but we find it deeply troubling that the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike has consistently refused to engage in meaningful dialogue. His disregard for a legitimate peace process is counterproductive and threatens the stability of the region.
We urge President Tinubu, as the nation’s leader, to intervene and prevail upon the Honourable Minister of the FCT to retract his statements and engage constructively with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee.
Conclusion
PANDEF will not be distracted from its mission. We will continue to advocate for the development, political inclusion, and economic empowerment of the Niger Delta. Our resolve remains unshaken in ensuring that our people’s voices are heard and respected at the highest levels of governance.
We appreciate the support of all well-meaning Nigerians and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and progress in the Niger Delta and beyond.
Signed:
Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali
National Chairman, PANDEF
