By: Queen Williams
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has reiterated its call on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly.
The call for reinstatement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s signing of the South-South Development Commission Bill into law on March 25, 2025.
PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, lauded the president’s move, describing it as a groundbreaking stride towards addressing the region’s unique challenges.
“This singular action has boosted the confidence of our people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country and, in particular, to address the peculiar social, environmental, and developmental challenges facing our region,” Igali noted.
However, Igali urged President Tinubu to ensure that the newly established commission is staffed with competent and experienced individuals to maximize its impact.
“PANDEF is hopeful that in setting up this new Commission, Mr. President will carefully select competent and tested hands with cognate skills and experience to ensure that this body plays its complementary role to the efforts of our Governors in delivering sustainable development to the region, which continues to contribute immensely to the sustenance of the Nigerian national economy for decades,” he said.
Igali also reiterated the need for expedited intervention in the Rivers State crisis, calling on President Tinubu to restore normal governance in the state. “PANDEF is hopeful that based on the sustained nationwide appeals and genuine concerns from virtually every corner of the country over the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and the State Assembly, Mr. President would graciously accord urgent attention to restoring the state’s normal democratic governance by immediately recalling them,” he said.
The PANDEF chairman further emphasized the need for the federal government to prioritize environmental remediation and infrastructural development in the Niger Delta region.
As the crisis in Rivers State continues to unfold, PANDEF’s call for reinstatement has added to the growing chorus of voices demanding a swift resolution to the impasse. With the fate of the state’s democratic institutions hanging in the balance, all eyes are on President Tinubu to take decisive action.
