The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has inaugurated a seven-member panel to tackle the growing political crisis in Rivers State.

PANDEF Chairman, Godknows Igali, announced on Monday in Abuja that the committee’s mandate is to address escalating tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The panel is chaired by Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Attorney-General of the Federation. According to Igali, the committee will identify key players in the dispute and engage critical stakeholders, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, former governors, elders, and traditional rulers.

The committee is expected to facilitate dialogue, promote open communication between the governor and lawmakers, and recommend measures to restore reconciliation, political stability, and law and order in the state. It will also ensure the welfare and security of residents while fostering tolerance, compromise, and political balance.

Igali emphasized that sensitive information shared during the process would remain confidential to build trust and encourage frank discussions. The committee is mandated to submit a comprehensive report, including recommendations, to President Bola Tinubu within 14 days.

The move comes as Rivers State lawmakers commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy last Thursday. The assembly initiated the process after 26 members signed gross misconduct charges, read by Major Jack, leader of the House.

The tensions follow recurring disputes between the executive and legislative arms of government, with most lawmakers reportedly loyal to former Governor Wike, who has actively opposed Fubara’s re-election.

The FCT Minister had earlier accused the governor of reneging on a peace agreement reached before the lifting of emergency rule in the state by President Tinubu.