June 12: PANDEF Support for Restoration of Democratic Governance in Rivers State
… praise President Tinubu, call for political actors to embrace peace
From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
As Nigeria commemorates the 26th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic rule, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for immediate action to restore democratic governance in Rivers State, warning that the ongoing political crisis poses grave implications for the country’s democratic stability.
In a Democracy Day message signed by its National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, PANDEF congratulated Nigerians for their resilience and saluted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and commitment to upholding the ideals of June 12. The group also acknowledged the recent state pardon granted to late environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, describing it as a significant step toward national reconciliation.
PANDEF noted that while the nation celebrates Democracy Day, the situation in Rivers State presents a “deeply paradoxical and troubling” contradiction to the ideals June 12 represents. The group decried what it described as a “creeping authoritarianism” in the state, warning that the erosion of democratic institutions and principles of good governance in the region could undermine national democratic gains.
“The people of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta are being subjected to the erosion of democratic institutions and principles of good governance. This portends grave implications for our collective democratic achievements as a country,” the statement read.
PANDEF urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, to intervene urgently and end the political impasse in the state. It also called on political actors and their supporters in Rivers to “lay down their arms” and embrace peace, citing Ecclesiastes 3:8 to stress the need for reconciliation.
“As people of common faith, let us be guided by the injunction in Ecclesiastes 3:8: ‘A time to hate and a time to love, a time for war and a time for peace.’ The time for love and peace has come, in solemn honor of the memories of the heroes and martyrs of June 12,” the group emphasized.
Reaffirming its position as the apex socio-political body of the South-South, PANDEF pledged continued support for efforts to promote democratic ideals and accountable governance in the region.
