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Pandef condemned FCT Minister Wike’s comments that he called the group “the worst organization ever”.
The Panigel Delta Forum (Pandef) (PANDEF) expressed shock and disappointment at the derogatory comments made by the Federal Minister of Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike at the organization and its leadership.
The association called on Federal President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to put down his ministers and ensure respect for leaders in the region when it alleviates peace in Rivers.
After the association sent a delegation that included famous traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, retired military officers and business leaders in the presidency to discuss issues surrounding the crisis in the state and how peace can be restored.
However, just 24 (24) hours after the visit, FCT Minister Wike launched an attack on the group in a media chat and marked it as “the worst organization ever”. He also accused members of visiting the President’s Villa for financial gain.
Also Read: River Political Conflict: Pandef demands continued peaceful coexistence
Pandev’s President, Godknows Igali, delivered a press conference on Friday, condemning the minister’s actions and declaring his words false and false remarks from the service minister.
Chairman Pandeff slammed the FCT Minister for its disrespect for the late Chief Ek Clark and the famous respected North and South leaders under Ma, while King Alfred Diete-Spiff, their chairman of the board of directors of Pandef.
The Chairman said: “To keep the record, Pandev is the most important socio-political institution representing the South-South region, which is composed of some of Nigeria’s most prominent personalities.
“The President’s delegation consists of at least four of the six South-South State Traditional Committees, senior rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, former Senate moderators, prominent entrepreneurs, academics and senior retired military officers.
“So it is very regrettable that a military minister of the federal government would show such rude disrespect for individuals of this position.
The Chairman re-emphasized the organization’s commitment to achieve lasting harmony in River State and in the wider South-South region. Insisting that their visit to the president bordered on how to restore peace in Rivers State through PANDEF’s mediation efforts, secure Presidential assent for the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, speed up infrastructure projects, particularly roads and ports, address the socio-economic impact of the Bakassi crisis, increase South-South representation in the oil and gas sector, implement environmental cleanup in oil-producing states and advocate for true federalism and reorganization.
He also condemned the FCT Minister’s refusal to interact with the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, which began in October 2024 despite repeated attempts to contact him.
He urged President Tinob to call the minister’s order and ensure that he withdraws the inflammation statement against the organization and extends due respect for his leaders.
He concluded: “The minister does not own the Niger Delta and his wrongdoing should not be tolerated.”
