PANDEF Berates Wike,  Describes Him As Rude, Crude, Disrespectful

By Ayodele Oni

“Minister Wike should be reminded that he does not own Niger Delta. Wike has insulted Niger Delta revered Elders, including, late Chief E.K. Clark and HRM Alfred Diette-Spiff. We now ask Mr President to call him to order.”

The Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, (PANDEF), has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike of frustrating efforts to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.

PANDEF Leaders had, last week Tuesday, paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu during which they briefed him about efforts by the group to restore peace in Rivers State and other issues affecting Niger Delta area.

While addressing a press conference on Abuja, one of the leaders of the Forum, Ambassador Godknows Igali, explained that rather than for the FCT Minister to cooperate with the forum, he has resorted to disrespecting the leaders.

“PANDEF has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, fostering dialogue to achieve an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in Rivers State.

“It is, therefore, both shocking and unfortunate that, barely 24 hours after this significant engagement with Mr. President—an engagement that rekindled hope for peace and stability— the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, held a media chat in which he launched an unwarranted and deeply inappropriate attack on PANDEF and its leadership.

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

“Even more concerning was his disparaging remarks directed at revered South-South leaders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark, a national icon and former PANDEF leader, whose legacy was duly recognised by Mr. President during our visit, with a minute of silence observed in his honor.

“Equally unacceptable was the crude and disrespectful attack on another national treasure His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and current Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees.

“Regarding the situation in Rivers State, PANDEF fully embraced Mr. President’s directive to the organisation to sustain its ongoing mediatory and reconciliation efforts—an initiative he commended, recognizing the caliber of individuals involved.

“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit 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.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis, comprises distinguished statesmen, including: Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State.

“While the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has demonstrated willingness to engage with this Committee, the Honourable Minister has consistently rebuffed all attempts to reach him opening up at dialogue.

“Given his open hostility and dismissive attitude toward PANDEF, the organization can no longer subject these esteemed senior Nigerians on peace mission to such levels of disregard and disrespect.

“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.

“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta.

“We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”