By Robinson Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In recent developments, the National Chairman of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding comments made by his appointee, Chief Nyesom Wike.
This warning comes in light of inflammatory remarks made by Wike shortly after a significant engagement with President Tinubu that aimed to foster peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
The Context of Wike’s Comments
On March 11, 2025, a high-level delegation from the South-South region, including esteemed traditional rulers, former governors, and prominent citizens, met with President Tinubu at the State House.
The purpose of this visit was to address pressing regional issues such as infrastructure development, peace in Rivers State, and the urgent need for the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill’s assent. Such initiatives signal a hopeful step towards meaningful collaboration with the federal government, emphasizing education, health, and economic stability.
However, just a day later, Wike, who serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, held a media chat where he launched scathing attacks on PANDEF, labeling it “the worst organization ever” and questioning the motives of its members who attended the meeting. His comments not only belittled the hard work of these leaders but also attacked the legacy of past figures in the Niger Delta, such as the late Chief E.K. Clark and His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
The Fallout: Disrespect Towards Eminent Leaders
The disparaging nature of Wike’s remarks has provoked strong reactions from PANDEF, which sees his comments as particularly egregious given the stature of those he chose to publicly insult. The lack of respect shown not only undermines the dignity of the respected leaders but could also jeopardize ongoing peace efforts in Rivers State.
Ambassador Igali articulated the concerns of the organization, emphasizing that Wike’s behavior was unbecoming of a federal minister and indicative of a troubling disregard for collaborative governance.
PANDEF’s Call for Accountability
In light of these events, PANDEF has called upon President Tinubu to intervene and remind Wike of the importance of respectful discourse, particularly given the heightened expectations for reconciliation and cooperation following the meeting with South-South leaders.
They urge that Wike retract his inflammatory statements and demonstrate respect for the individuals who are vital to the region’s peace and stability.
“Mr. President,” Ambassador Igali urged, “we implore you to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. The Minister does not own the Niger Delta, and his conduct should not be condoned.”
Conclusion: A Path Forward
Despite the challenging atmosphere created by Wike’s comments, PANDEF remains committed to peace and reconciliation within the Niger Delta region. The organization is eager to engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to promote unity, development, and respect among the diverse communities that form the South-South.
As Nigeria strives for stability and progress, it is essential for leaders to promote the values of respect, dialogue, and collaboration rather than division. The recent events serve as a reminder of the delicate nature of regional politics and the heightened responsibility of public officials to uphold respect and integrity in their communications.
Moving forward, let us hope that a spirit of cooperation will prevail, allowing for the significant issues concerning the South-South region to be addressed with the seriousness and respect they deserve.
Kindly share
