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Meeting of the Niger Delta Leaders: Oil, Gas, and Peace in Focus

In the evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, the Niger Delta region has remained one of the most crucial areas for both national development and regional peace. As the meeting held in the Council Chambers unfolded, with the agenda being confidential at the time of the report, there were certain issues that were speculated to take center stage. Chief among them were the discussions on the oil and gas sector, as well as the current peace dynamics in the region. Equally important were the political frictions between two powerful figures in Rivers State, Governor Sim Fubara and his estranged political godfather, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, both of whom represent different ethnic groups within Rivers State.

While the official agenda was not disclosed, those present and the significance of their roles suggested that the issues at hand were of utmost importance, not just for the Niger Delta, but for Nigeria’s political stability and the socio-economic well-being of its oil-producing regions. The delegation from the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Obong Victor Attah, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, was in attendance, signaling the seriousness of the discussions. The presence of other high-profile figures such as Senator Seriake Dickson, Professor Mike Ozekhome, former Cross River State Governor Mr. Liyel Imoke, former Rivers Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Timi Alaibe, and Jaja of Opobo, Professor Dandeson Jaja, underscored the depth of the issues being addressed.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has long been at the forefront of advocating for the interests of the Niger Delta region. Comprised of a coalition of influential leaders and stakeholders from the region, PANDEF has sought to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the oil-rich but underdeveloped region. The organization has been vocal about issues related to the equitable distribution of resources, oil and gas revenue, environmental degradation caused by decades of oil exploration, and the security concerns that have plagued the region.

The presence of PANDEF leadership at the meeting was significant because it represents a broad spectrum of voices from various ethnic groups and political backgrounds within the Niger Delta. King Alfred Diete-Spiff, a well-respected traditional ruler, has been a pivotal figure in the region’s leadership, advocating for peace, stability, and development. Obong Victor Attah, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has been a consistent champion for the region’s development and self-determination. His influence has been particularly felt in pushing for greater autonomy for the Niger Delta, especially in matters of resource control.

Ambassador Godknows Igali, the National Chairman of PANDEF, is a seasoned diplomat with deep knowledge of the political intricacies that define Nigeria’s federal system, especially concerning the oil and gas sector. As the meeting unfolded, his leadership was likely crucial in guiding the discussions towards finding sustainable solutions for the region’s long-standing issues.

The Niger Delta, which holds a significant portion of Nigeria’s oil reserves, has long been a battleground for political and economic power. The oil and gas industry has been both a blessing and a curse for the region. On one hand, it generates billions of dollars in revenue, making Nigeria one of the largest oil producers in Africa. On the other hand, the Niger Delta has suffered from environmental degradation, oil spills, and gas flaring, which have devastated local communities and disrupted traditional livelihoods.

There is also the issue of oil revenue distribution, which has been a point of contention between the Niger Delta and the federal government. While the region is the source of much of Nigeria’s oil wealth, the people of the Niger Delta have often complained of being marginalized when it comes to the allocation of resources. Calls for resource control and an equitable share of the oil wealth have been ongoing since the 1990s, with the region’s leaders seeking to secure a larger share of the revenue to fund local development projects and improve infrastructure.

However, despite these concerns, the federal government has been hesitant to make significant changes to the existing structure of oil revenue distribution. For years, Niger Delta leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of development in the region, even as oil production continues to generate substantial income for the country. This situation has led to restiveness in the region, with militant groups emerging in the past to demand a fairer distribution of the nation’s oil wealth. The federal government, in turn, has struggled to balance the interests of the Niger Delta with the broader national interest of economic stability and energy security.

The discussion on the oil and gas sector was, therefore, a vital part of the meeting. It is likely that PANDEF and other stakeholders were pushing for greater attention to the environmental and economic challenges of the region, as well as a more equitable distribution of oil wealth. A key point of contention remains the lack of sufficient infrastructure development, the absence of meaningful environmental remediation, and the increasing cases of oil theft and illegal refining in the region.

The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has made efforts to address some of these issues by seeking to curb the theft of crude oil and investing in infrastructure projects in the region. However, challenges remain, and the PANDEF delegation likely advocated for more concrete actions, particularly in relation to environmental restoration and the sustainable development of the region’s oil and gas resources.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the meeting was the likely discussion of the political face-off between Governor Sim Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike. Both men hail from Rivers State, but they represent different ethnic groups—Fubara is an Ijaw man, while Wike is an Ikwere man. The political dynamics between these two figures have been at the center of much political speculation in recent months.

Governor Sim Fubara assumed office as the governor of Rivers State in May 2023, succeeding his political mentor, Nyesom Wike, who had served two terms as governor. However, the transition from Wike to Fubara has been far from smooth. Reports of political tensions and differences between the two men have emerged, with Wike’s influence still strong in the state despite his departure from the governor’s office.

The ethnic dimension of this political rift cannot be ignored. The Ijaw and Ikwere ethnic groups have long been key players in the politics of Rivers State. The Ijaw people, to which Fubara belongs, are traditionally associated with the Niger Delta region, and their political leadership has often been aligned with efforts to push for greater rights and resources for the region. On the other hand, the Ikwere people, with Wike as one of their most prominent leaders, have been dominant in the state’s political landscape for years. The conflict between Fubara and Wike, therefore, reflects a deeper political divide in the state, with both ethnic groups seeking to assert their dominance.

Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has maintained a significant influence in national politics. His strategic moves and alliances within the federal government have helped him retain power and continue to shape the political direction of Rivers State, even though he is no longer the governor. On the other hand, Fubara, as the sitting governor, must navigate the delicate balance of asserting his authority while managing the expectations of both his political base and the broader political establishment in Nigeria.

The face-off between these two political figures was almost certainly discussed during the meeting. With PANDEF’s involvement, the meeting likely addressed how to handle the political dynamics in Rivers State and ensure that they do not escalate into a larger crisis. As leaders from the Niger Delta, it is important for PANDEF to mediate and ensure that such political tensions do not derail the peace and stability of the region, which is already dealing with the challenges of underdevelopment and restiveness.

The intervention of PANDEF in this matter could help promote dialogue and cooperation between the two factions, ensuring that their rivalry does not destabilize the broader goals of the region’s development. Political stability in Rivers State is crucial for the entire Niger Delta, as the state remains a major player in the nation’s oil industry and a critical hub for economic activity in the region.

The meeting held in the Council Chambers was an important one, as it brought together some of the most influential leaders from the Niger Delta. The issues discussed—ranging from the oil and gas sector to political stability in Rivers State—are critical to the future of the region. While the official agenda was not revealed at the time of this report, it is clear that the discussions will have far-reaching implications for the governance and development of the Niger Delta.

The continued focus on peace in the region, especially in light of the ongoing political and economic challenges, is essential for ensuring that the Niger Delta does not descend into further instability. For many years, the region has faced economic neglect, environmental degradation, and political turmoil, but the presence of experienced leaders in the meeting suggests that a pathway forward may be within reach.

Ultimately, the goal of such meetings should be to foster unity among the different ethnic groups, political factions, and stakeholders in the Niger Delta. By working together, the region’s leaders can ensure that the interests of the people are prioritized, and that sustainable development is achieved for all those who call the Niger Delta home.

It is also expected that the face-off between the governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, who is an Ijaw man and his estranged political godfather and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike an Ikwere man of Rivers State, would be discussed.

The PANDEF delegation is led by King Alfred Diete-Spiff,who is Chairman Board of Trustee and Obong Victor Attach, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Co-Chairman Board of Trustees.