FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed shock and disappointment over the disparaging comments made by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, against the organization and its leadership.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, PANDEF’s National Chairman, Godknows Igali, recalled its recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where the President acknowledged the organization’s concerns about the political crisis in Rivers State and assured follow-up action.
However, barely 24 hours later, Minister Wike launched an unwarranted attack on PANDEF, describing it as “the worst organization ever” and accusing its members of seeking financial favors.
Mr. Igali condemned the Minister’s remarks as false, unbecoming, and disrespectful, particularly towards revered South-South leaders like the late Chief E.K. Clark and His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
He said: “To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-politicalbody representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities.
“The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six South South states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.
“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.
The PANDEF National Chairman emphasized its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta, despite the Minister’s hostility.
He appealed to President Tinubu to intervene, calling on the Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to the organization and its leaders.
He added that the organization remains committed to engaging with stakeholders to achieve lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.
