**Warns of Looming Instability in the South-South
The Pan Niger Delta Elders’ Forum (PANDEF) has called on **President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene and rein in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, before his actions plunge Rivers State into deeper political instability.
PANDEF expressed deep concern over Wike’s dismissive attitude towards peace efforts, warning that his divisive rhetoric and refusal to engage in dialogue could have dire consequences for the stability of Rivers State and the broader South-South region.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, led by Arc. Obong Victor Attah, condemned Wike’s public attacks on PANDEF and his rejection of mediation efforts aimed at resolving the state’s lingering crisis.
The group recalled how a high-level PANDEF delegation met with President Tinubu on March 11, seeking his intervention in the worsening Rivers crisis. However, rather than embracing the peace process, Wike has continued to undermine reconciliation efforts, making inflammatory statements that further deepen divisions.
“It is unfortunate that while we are working towards peace, Chief Wike is doing the opposite,” PANDEF stated.
In a bid to ensure impartiality, PANDEF had constituted a seven-member high-level mediation committee with no representatives from Rivers State. Yet, despite this effort, Wike has refused to engage, raising fears that his unyielding stance could push Rivers into chaos.
PANDEF warned that Wike’s actions amount to a challenge to the authority of President Tinubu, who had acknowledged the concerns raised by South-South leaders and **expressed willingness to act.
“The President must not allow one man’s ego and political ambitions to undermine his administration’s commitment to national peace and stability,” the group said.
Wike’s recent attack on PANDEF, where he dismissed it as “the worst organization for anyone to rely on,” has further inflamed tensions. PANDEF described his remarks as disrespectful and reckless