Describes Move as Betrayal of the Niger Delta
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, calling it a direct betrayal of the Niger Delta region.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee in Abuja on March 19, 2025, PANDEF condemned Tinubu’s decision to suspend the state’s Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members on March 18.
The group labeled the move as shocking and widely opposed by Nigerians.
Contradiction in Tinubu’s Actions
PANDEF recalled that just days before the emergency declaration, Tinubu hosted a South-South delegation, including traditional rulers, former governors, and military leaders, where he commended PANDEF’s Peace and Reconciliation Committee for mediating in the Rivers political crisis.
The group now sees the President’s latest action as a contradiction to his earlier support for peaceful resolutions.
The forum also pointed out key developments that raised concerns:
- On March 12, 2025, a day after PANDEF’s visit, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike made derogatory remarks about the group and Niger Delta leaders, yet Tinubu did not call him to order.
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara had shown willingness to present the 2025 budget in line with a Supreme Court ruling and the President’s directive, but the Rivers State House of Assembly suddenly adjourned indefinitely on March 14 and later initiated impeachment proceedings against him.
- PANDEF had written to the President on March 17, warning of attempts to block the budget presentation. The following day, Tinubu declared the emergency rule, effectively dissolving the state government.
Double Standards and Political Motives
The group compared Tinubu’s actions to his past stance against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2013 declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states during the Boko Haram crisis.
At the time, Tinubu had condemned it as partisan and undemocratic. PANDEF now questions why Tinubu has taken even stricter action in Rivers, where the crisis is far less severe.
PANDEF also accused the federal government of applying double standards, noting that northern states facing persistent terrorist attacks have not been subjected to emergency rule.
The timing of the decision, while a court case regarding the legitimacy of the Rivers State Assembly members was still pending, further raises suspicions of political interference.
PANDEF Calls for Legislative Intervention
In its communiqué, PANDEF urged the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to reject what it termed an attack on democratic governance.
The group vowed to challenge the emergency rule through legal and constitutional means.
Signed by top PANDEF leaders, including HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, Obong Victor Attah, Amb. Dr. Godknows Igali, and Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the statement reflects the group’s strong opposition to what it sees as an unjustified political intervention in Rivers State.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the federal government and the National Assembly to see how they respond to PANDEF’s accusations of overreach.
Stay Updated with NIGPOST!
For more news and updates, follow NIGPOST. Share your thoughts in the comments!
Leave a Reply