By THE Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused President Bola Tinubu of betraying the Niger Delta following his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The group described the move as a “brazen onslaught on democratic governance” and called on the National Assembly to reject it.
In a strongly worded communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of PANDEF board of trustees in Abuja on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, PANDEF stated that the suspension of the state’s elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly was unjustifiable.
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“This action by Mr President is a direct stab in the back,” said PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador (Dr) Godknows Igali. “Barely a week ago, he welcomed our high-level delegation, commended our peace efforts, and encouraged us to continue reconciliation activities. Yet, within days, he unilaterally removes the duly elected leaders of Rivers State.”
The group highlighted that President Tinubu’s decision contradicted his own stance in 2013 when he criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in three northern states without removing elected governors.
Tinubu and Ibas
“In 2013, Mr President described a similar action as ‘a display of unparalleled and diabolic partisanship.’ What has changed now?” asked Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees.
PANDEF further condemned the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom they accused of fuelling the crisis in Rivers State.
They expressed frustration that Tinubu had not cautioned Wike despite public outcry over his “derogatory remarks” against Niger Delta leaders.
The group also questioned the justification for the state of emergency, arguing that insecurity in other parts of the country had not led to such drastic measures.
“Many states in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central face daily violence, yet no emergency has been declared. Why is Rivers being singled out?” said the South South apex sociocultural group.
PANDEF called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to “stand on the side of truth” by rejecting Tinubu’s actions.
The group vowed to explore all constitutional remedies to protect democracy in the region.
“We will not stand by and watch democracy trampled upon in Rivers State,” said HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees. “This is a dangerous precedent, and Nigerians must resist it.”
The communique was jointly signed by HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff,
Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass,
Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees, Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees, Amb. Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman and Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PhD, National Spokesman.
The crisis in Rivers State continues to generate widespread debate, with many awaiting the National Assembly’s response to PANDEF’s demands.
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