In an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), discussed the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, the recent Supreme Court ruling, and other related matters.
Excerpts:
What is your opinion on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s response to the recent Supreme Court ruling on Rivers State?
The situation in the state is calm. This ruling was anticipated for a while. As a party, we’ve always advocated for the respect of the rule of law, which we believe is key to ensuring stability, peace, and development.
I won’t go into the challenges we faced due to some overreaching actions by the executive branch of the state government, particularly in its attempt to undermine the Rivers State Assembly under Martins Amaewhule. Thankfully, the Supreme Court has stepped in, as expected, and has provided the necessary intervention.
Now, the state is at peace, the citizens are calm, and everyone is relieved. We are confident that with the governor’s commitment to implementing the Supreme Court’s decision, the state’s development will progress unhindered.
What is your initial reaction to the governor’s response to this issue?
From the perspective of PANDEF, the leading sociopolitical body in the South-South, we fully support the governor’s call for calm, especially among our youth. While the judgment surprised many, we must respect the Supreme Court’s constitutional role as an impartial mediator. We urge all parties involved to adhere to the law so that these issues can be peacefully resolved. While you haven’t asked, I’d like to add that PANDEF has always advocated for peace beyond the courtroom, and I will elaborate more on that when the opportunity arises.
What are you hoping to achieve?
There is significant reliance on federal allocations to support the entire governance process, particularly for social services. This is not the first time judicial rulings have impacted such matters in Nigeria, but the Supreme Court has always been cautious in its decisions.
Withholding allocations is typically only addressed in extreme cases, as it has far-reaching consequences. It directly affects the well-being of ordinary citizens and could hinder the ability of a sub-national government to perform its duties, potentially leading to social unrest. Hospitals require medications, newborns need care, vulnerable populations must be supported, and essential services like schools, public sanitation, and utilities rely on these funds. Any action that impedes the financial resources allocated to states is a grave issue.
Given these implications, we were deeply concerned, and there was considerable public outcry, prompting our appeal to the Supreme Court to revisit the matter when the opportunity arises. Historically, the Supreme Court has reconsidered its decisions when the broader social impact is widespread and punitive.
Rivers State is a key region, often regarded as the capital of the South-South and the heart of the oil-producing belt, contributing significantly to the national economy. Any situation that triggers social upheaval in Rivers State is a cause for concern. That’s the basis of our appeal—seeking a reversal or reconsideration of this ruling.
What do you expect the governor to do in this situation?
Though I am from Bayelsa, I also serve as the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), which is the foremost organization representing the people of the Delta. One of our primary concerns is ensuring peace and stability in the region, much like other sociopolitical groups such as Arewa, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, or Afenifere. Through this platform, we’ve consistently worked toward promoting peace. We remain neutral in this matter; our primary interest is to restore peace in Rivers State.
Across Nigeria, issues arise that require organizations like ours to mediate, arbitrate, and foster peace. PANDEF has a peace and reconciliation committee for the Niger Delta, led by seven highly respected individuals, including former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, three former governors, and senior politicians.
They have made significant progress, meeting with both parties involved, and discussions are ongoing. We hope that, despite the judicial processes, an amicable resolution can be reached that will satisfy all parties.
We all have deep roots in Rivers State, and it’s crucial to us. The people of Rivers and Bayelsa are the same, and after the court rulings and all legal proceedings, we will continue to meet and work toward a peaceful resolution. That is why PANDEF remains at the forefront of this effort.
