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PANDEF has urged the National Assembly to reject the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
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PANDEF described the move as an “undemocratic imposition” and a threat to constitutional governance.
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The group expressed concerns over the timing of the emergency rule.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an “undemocratic imposition” and a threat to constitutional governance.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting in Abuja, PANDEF urged the National Assembly to reject the declaration and defend democracy.
According to the communiqué, “The declaration of a state of emergency and removal of elected officials in Rivers State is a direct assault on democracy and constitutional governance.”
PANDEF expressed concerns over the timing of the emergency rule, which came just before Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was scheduled to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers Assembly.
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PANDEF also accused the Assembly and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of deliberately obstructing reconciliation efforts and called on the Federal Government to respect the constitutional rights of Rivers people.
The group emphasized that the justification for the emergency—an alleged pipeline explosion—raises serious concerns, as similar incidents have occurred in Nigeria without prompting such drastic action.
Rivers Political Conflict: PANDEF Calls For Continued Peaceful Co-existence
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political voice of the South-South peoples calls on all stakeholders to collaborate fully with the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee which was constituted at its General Assembly on 24th October, 2024.
The Committee which comprises some of the most respected, accomplished & patriotic Nigerian elder Statesmen from the region, have accepted to make personal sacrifices to intervene and resolve the current political conflict in the State which has been counterproductive and wasteful.
