By DR Ken Robinson, an influential Niger Delta figure, has alleged defamation by fellow Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) member, Anabs Sara-Igbe.
In a letter to Chief Edwin Clark, PANDEF’s national leader, Robinson detailed grievances against Sara-Igbe, who, he claimed, has attempted to damage his reputation within the organisation.
From right, a collage of Robinson, Clark and Sara-Igbe
The letter, dated 7 November 2024, highlighted Robinson’s dissatisfaction with PANDEF’s lack of response to these accusations.
In the letter, Robinson described years of dedicated service to PANDEF and recalled several instances of perceived marginalisation within the group.
Among these was his exclusion from a high-profile 2016 visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, and his removal from a 2018 meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF).
Robinson noted that he had been left out of key events despite his commitment to the Niger Delta cause, writing, “I have not been treated fairly, particularly in recent years.”
Robinson’s tensions with Sara-Igbe reached a tipping point on 24 October 2024, during a PANDEF gathering in Port Harcourt.
He alleged that, in front of numerous prominent Niger Delta figures, Sara-Igbe falsely claimed that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara would sever ties with PANDEF if Robinson were appointed National Secretary.
Robinson contended this statement was both baseless and intended to undermine his standing within PANDEF.
PANDEF logo
Among Sara-Igbe’s accusations, Robinson said, was an assertion that he had set up a “parallel” PANDEF leadership in Rivers State in defiance of the late PANDEF leader Alabo Graham-Douglas.
He denied this, asking Clark to assess the validity of these claims and emphasising his long-standing loyalty to PANDEF.
“I have always upheld integrity in all my dealings,” he stated, describing Sara-Igbe’s allegations as misleading and harmful.
Sara-Igbe further accused Robinson of receiving money from former Governor Nyesom Wike in exchange for information during Wike’s 2014 governorship campaign.
Robinson refuted the charge, labelling it an outright attempt to harm his reputation.
“This allegation is not only false but has subjected me to undue public scrutiny,” Robinson said, adding that he would address this misrepresentation in court if Elder statesman Clark did not intervene.
Expressing frustration, Robinson questioned why PANDEF’s leadership has yet to act on his pending inauguration as National Secretary, stating, “What bothers me most is PANDEF’s continued tolerance of Sara-Igbe’s misconduct.”
Robinson believed PANDEF’s silence on the matter has allowed Sara-Igbe’s allegations to damage his public image and relationships within the organisation.
He highlighted Sara-Igbe’s previous removal as PANDEF’s Publicity Secretary for what Robinson described as “contradictory statements” that embarrassed PANDEF leadership.
He claimed that, since then, Sara-Igbe has held a position in an unrelated “South South Elders Forum” and continued to make statements that conflicted with PANDEF’s values.
Robinson concluded by announcing his decision to file a defamation suit against Sara-Igbe. “I have decided, in consultation with family and friends, to pursue legal action,” Robinson wrote, adding that this step was essential to defend his reputation.
He expressed confidence in Chief Clark’s leadership and commitment to fairness, stating that PANDEF should uphold its integrity.
The letter was copied to prominent Niger Delta leaders, including King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Governor Rufus Ada George, and several PANDEF officials.
The accusations have raised questions within PANDEF about internal divisions and the impact of personal rivalries on the organisation’s unity.
PANDEF has yet to release a public response to Robinson’s claims.
This is a developing story
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