Crisis Deepens! Niger Delta Leaders Demand Key Concessions From Fubara Amidst Rivers Political Turmoil

The mediation efforts are being spearheaded by the Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee under the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), aiming to bring both sides to the negotiation table.

Ambassador Godknows Igali, a key mediator, stressed the need for direct discussions, revealing that both factions had set conditions for dialogue.

“We have engaged both parties and are working towards arranging a face-to-face meeting. Our priority is peace, and we call on all stakeholders to embrace dialogue,” Igali stated.

This intervention follows heightened tensions between Fubara and the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday. The governor’s attempt to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill was obstructed.

Upon arriving at the Assembly quarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt—accompanied by top officials such as Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo and Chief of Staff Edison Ehie—Fubara encountered locked gates.

Expressing his frustration, he accused Speaker Martin Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, stating that repeated attempts to reach the lawmaker had gone unanswered.

Fubara insisted he had properly notified the Assembly leadership about his intention to present the budget.

“Before coming here, I made several efforts to contact the Speaker and also sent an official letter regarding this invitation. Unfortunately, the gates are sealed, and there is no indication that the session will hold today,” he lamented.

Later, while inaugurating the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area, Fubara reaffirmed that his visit to the Assembly was in full compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling