The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body in the Niger Delta, has again called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the suspension of the state’s democratic structures.
While commending President Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, PANDEF urged the president to heed the calls of Nigerians and restore normal governance in Rivers State.
National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, reiterated the need for urgent intervention.
He said: “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.”
Igali also expressed gratitude to the president for assenting to the South-South Development Commission Bill on March 25, 2025.
He commended the National Assembly for its swift action in finalizing the legislation and highlighted its significance in 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,” he noted.
He further urged President Tinubu to ensure that competent and experienced individuals are appointed to the newly established commission to maximize its impact.
His words: “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.”
Igali reiterated the need to address other pressing concerns in the Niger Delta, particularly environmental remediation due to oil and gas production and the severe infrastructural deficit affecting the region.
He called on the federal government to prioritize these issues as part of its broader development agenda for the South-South region.
