PANDEF Accuses Wike Of Blocking Peace Initiative, Tells Tinubu To Call FCT Minister To Order

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for blocking peace initiatives in the state.

The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the minister over his “inflammatory” remarks against the group amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom state, said Tinubu did not give the impression that he was meeting with the “worst organisation anybody can rely on”.

Attah, who is also the chairman of PANDEF reconciliation committee, said Wike’s comment explains the reasons behind his refusal to meet with the committee on the Rivers crisis.

“We made it clear to Mr. President that there was a need for him to impress upon the key personalities involved, one of whom is his cabinet minister, the necessity of prioritizing peace,” he said.

“We were firm in our resolve that an amicable resolution must be secured. Such a resolution can only be secured by negotiation, hence our setting up of the peace and reconciliation committee.

“We brought to the attention of Mr. President, the difficulties that we were experiencing in trying to secure the cooperation of his cabinet minister for the federal capital territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, since all our attempts in the past to meet with the Hon. minister had been rebuffed.”

Also speaking, Godknows Igali, PANDEF national chairman, said FCT minister’s comment against leaders of the forum was “unacceptable, unwarranted and deeply inappropriate”.

Igali said while Fubara has shown willingness to engage with the forum, Wike has consistently rejected attempts for dialogue.

The PANDEF chairman appealed to the president to prevail upon Wike to retract his “inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers”.

“In his remarks, the honourable minister characterized PANDEF as ‘the worst organization ever’ and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors,” Igali said.

“These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.

“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the federal government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing.

“This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the minister to engage with the peace and reconciliation committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach him.

“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the honourable minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief.

“It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the

Niger Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.”