PANDEF Denies Wike’s Accusation of Seeking Financial Favour From Tinubu
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has refuted claims made by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, suggesting that the Niger Delta organization met with President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday to solicit his favor.
On the previous Tuesday, a PANDEF delegation engaged with Mr. Tinubu, during which they sought his assistance in resolving various challenges in the region, including the ongoing dispute between Mr. Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The President emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in Rivers State to foster enduring peace and prosperity.
In a media discussion on Wednesday, Mr. Wike alleged that the Niger Delta group had approached Mr. Tinubu to gain favor from the President.
However, during a press conference in Abuja, PANDEF Chairperson Godknows Igali dismissed the accusation as unfounded.
At the conference, Mr. Igali, who previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Sweden, expressed that it was “deeply regrettable and entirely unacceptable” for Mr. Wike to show such blatant disrespect towards distinguished individuals present.
He clarified that, contrary to the FCT minister’s claims, the visit was initiated at Mr. Tinubu’s invitation and provided a forum to address critical national and regional issues.
In addition to discussing the political turmoil in Rivers, the meeting also focused on the necessity for presidential approval of the South-South Development Commission Bill and the urgent need for infrastructure development in the region.
“PANDEF and the people of the South-South anticipate that these matters, which the President acknowledged with promises of follow-up actions, will be pursued diligently, resulting in significant progress in the near future,” Mr. Igali stated.
