The Pan‑Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has established a reconciliation committee to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and foster dialogue among divergent groups, the organisation announced on Monday in Port Harcourt.
The committee is expected to engage key stakeholders and advance efforts toward peaceful resolution of tensions that have heightened political uncertainty in the state.
In a statement signed by Chief Edwin Clark, PANDEF National Chairman, the forum said the committee will “undertake broad‑based consultations with critical stakeholders in Rivers State with a view to promoting understanding, addressing grievances, and restoring confidence in the political process.”
The initiative reflects continued concern over political developments in the Niger Delta’s most populous state.
Chief Clark explained that the Rivers crisis has deep roots in political disagreements and recent disputes within party structures that have sparked tensions among political actors and supporters.
He said the committee’s formation aims to “provide a platform for peaceful engagement and to encourage stakeholders to find common ground for the benefit of the state’s social and economic stability.”
The reconciliation committee, which comprises elder statesmen and respected community leaders from the Niger Delta region, is tasked with meeting prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, women’s and youth groups, and other civil society actors in Rivers State.
Its mandate includes reviewing contentious issues and identifying pathways toward consensus and reconciliation.
PANDEF said the committee will also coordinate with federal, state and local authorities to ensure that recommended peacebuilding measures are inclusive and sustainable.
It emphasised the need for a political environment that prioritises dialogue and prevents escalations that could undermine development and security in Rivers State.
Political observers have noted that Rivers State has experienced heightened tensions following intra‑party leadership disagreements and competing claims over political offices, which have periodically threatened to stall governance and disrupt civic activities.
Efforts by civic groups and traditional institutions to mediate have so far produced limited results.
Chief Clark said that meaningful reconciliation requires “mutual respect, willingness to engage, and commitment to prioritise the common good.” He urged all parties to embrace dialogue and refrain from actions that could inflame tensions or trigger instability.
The committee’s work is expected to unfold over coming weeks, with periodic updates anticipated as consultations proceed. PANDEF has called on stakeholders to support the initiative and contribute to a peaceful political climate in Rivers State.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen political dialogue mechanisms and prevent crises from undermining democratic processes and development in Nigeria’s subnational contexts.
