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The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief Edwin Clark, has formed a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee aimed at mediating the ongoing conflict between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This decision was announced in a communique following PANDEF’s Special General Assembly meeting in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

The committee is tasked with resolving disputes and conflicts within the region, not limited to the Wike-Fubara situation.

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The communique was signed by notable figures, including King Alfred Diette-Spiff, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass and Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees; Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and also Co-Chairman; Dr. Godknows B. Igali, National Chairman; and other key members.

Obong Victor Attah will lead the reconciliation committee, which includes prominent figures such as Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, Senator Rowland Owie, Senator Stella Omu, Rear Admiral G. John-Jonah, H.E. Pam Ogar, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu.

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Although the communique did not specifically mention the political rift between Wike and Fubara, PANDEF’s spokesman confirmed that the committee’s mandate includes addressing their conflict.

The tension between the former governor Wike and Fubara has been ongoing since Fubara took office in 2023, primarily revolving around power dynamics in Rivers State.

Their strained relationship persists despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders.

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In addition to the reconciliation efforts, PANDEF strongly condemned President Tinubu’s recent decision to dissolve the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

The organization urged the federal government to engage in further discussions regarding this move, highlighting the importance of the ministry in addressing the unique challenges faced by the Niger Delta region.

The communique emphasized that the Ministry of Niger Delta was established to tackle specific issues related to the region’s environment and economic significance.

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While PANDEF welcomed the proposed South-South Commission, it insisted that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) should accurately reflect its functions and membership.

Recognizing the need for educational improvements in the region, PANDEF called on state governments to implement tuition-free education at all levels.

They proposed that each of the 185 local government areas should host at least one tertiary institution, with a minimum annual budget allocation of 25% for education in line with UNESCO recommendations.

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Furthermore, PANDEF urged the federal government to repair dilapidated roads, complete the East-West Highway, initiate the Calabar-Lagos railway project, and establish a maritime mass transit system for the Niger Delta’s riverine communities.

The assembly, held on October 24, 2024, at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, was attended by delegates from all six state chapters and various dignitaries, including former governors, military leaders, and representatives from ethnic organizations.

The theme of the assembly was “Fostering Peace and Unity for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta.”

The gathering featured goodwill messages from prominent South-South leaders, underscoring the region’s commitment to peace and progress.

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has officially sworn in 44 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, among whom is the only female chairperson, Sa’adatu Salisu from Tudunwada in Kano South.

The recent elections, held on Saturday, resulted in a clean sweep for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as announced by the Kano Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), which confirmed that the party secured all 44 chairmanship positions and 484 councillorship seats.

On Sunday, the newly elected officials received their certificates of return from KANSIEC.

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During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Yusuf urged the chairmen and councillors to act justly and fairly, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of the state and the party.

He encouraged them to lead by example and dedicate themselves to serving their communities.

“We want to express our gratitude to the people of Kano for their orderly and peaceful voting,” he stated.

“This election has been one of the most peaceful we have ever witnessed.”

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Yusuf urged the officials to uphold the commitments they made during their oath of office, stressing the importance of implementing meaningful projects that support education, agriculture, health, and aid vulnerable populations, particularly women.

He also called for reform in the Local Government Secretariats to ensure they operate at standard levels and represent the executive arm effectively.

He encouraged inclusivity, asking the chairmen to engage all community members, regardless of political affiliations.

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“The state government will continue to support you and collaborate with you to ensure we all perform our duties diligently for the benefit of the people,” he concluded.

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The Action Peoples Party (APP) has extended an invitation to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to run for re-election under its banner in 2027, despite clarifying that he is not currently a member of the party.

During a solidarity visit from the former leadership of the APP in the state, led by Kenneth Atata, current APP Chairman Sunny Wokekoro made this announcement at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

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He emphasized that, as a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fubara should consider a shift to APP, especially as he views the PDP as no longer a viable option for progressive politicians.

Wokekoro stated, “I was a founding member of the PDP, but recent developments have shown that it is not a party for anyone with morals or integrity. Any politician who values these qualities should have left the PDP by now.”

He clarified that while there is a misconception that Governor Fubara is affiliated with the APP, the party has been established since 2017, long before his tenure.

Wokekoro noted, “No one can claim ownership of this party. Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not a member of our party, but we hope to persuade him to use our platform for his re-election.”

Wokekoro encouraged other notable politicians from the State and National Assemblies to join APP, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to elevate the party’s status in Rivers State and beyond.

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APP National Chairman, Uchenna Nnadi commended Wokekoro for his leadership and efforts in raising the party’s profile in the state.

He noted the increasing recognition of the APP on a national level.

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The Kano Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) has officially issued certificates of return to the newly elected 44 Local Government Chairmen.

The presentation took place on Sunday morning, led by the commission’s Chairman, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi.

In Saturday’s elections, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) secured victory in all 44 chairmanship positions as well as 484 councillorship seats.

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While presenting the certificates, Malumfashi stated, “In accordance with the electoral process, the commission has the duty to issue certificates of return to the elected Chairmen and Councillors, recognizing them as legitimate leaders of their respective local government areas. They are now responsible for addressing the official needs of their LGAs.”

Sources indicate that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is expected to swear in the chairmen at the Government House in Kano.

During a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters, Malumfashi highlighted that the election was conducted smoothly across all 44 Local Government Areas.

He noted that KANSIEC provided all necessary materials to facilitate an efficient electoral process.

Originally set for November 30, the elections were rescheduled to October 26 following a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed local government autonomy.

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Malumfashi welcomed the peaceful conduct of the election, emphasizing its significance in promoting local government independence.

Despite the successful elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has deemed the results illegal.

APC chieftain, Rabi’u Bichi explained that this stance is based on a court order from Justice Simon Amobede of the Federal High Court, Kano, which declared the election null and void due to alleged bias from KANSIEC towards the ruling NNPP.

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Bichi added that since the judgment has not been appealed, the APC considers any election outcome invalid.

He also referenced a recent Federal High Court ruling that annulled all NNPP chairmanship candidates for the elections, further supporting the party’s claims.

He urged party members to remain calm and await the results of ongoing legal actions to contest the election’s legitimacy.