PANDEF National Chairman, Amb. Igali Pens Open Letter To Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas

Ref. PANDEF/NCH/2025/015 16th April, 2025

H.E. Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON
Honourable Speaker,
House of Representatives,
National Assembly,
Abuja.

My Dear Honourable Speaker, Excellency,

KUDOS ON ADHOC OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON STATE OF EMERGENCY AND THE IMPERATIVE OF IMMEDIATE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY

On behalf of the leaders and people of the South-South geopolitical zone, we, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body, extends our profound appreciation to you and the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives for your courage and foresight in constituting and promptly inaugurating the Adhoc Committee to provide oversight on the current State of Emergency in Rivers State, particularly as it concerns the roles and functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly. While we acknowledge that this action aligns with the constitutional responsibilities enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as Amended), we are convinced it is also a testament to the visionary and focused leadership that the House of Representatives has demonstrated under your stewardship. As students of history, we recognize that this singular act stands as a strong affirmation of the critical role that parliaments have historically played in fostering democracy and supporting the evolution of modern states.

2. The decision to offer impartial and dispassionate oversight in Rivers State has, as you may have observed, been resoundingly applauded by patriotic Nigerians across the country. It is especially heartening that the Chairmanship of the Committee was entrusted to Professor Julius Ihonvbere—a globally respected scholar, accomplished public servant, and principled politician whose integrity and character are widely acknowledged. We extend this commendation to the other 20 members of the Committee, many of whom also embody these exemplary qualities. We trust that they will collectively deliver the highest standards of national service in carrying out this crucial assignment.

3. PANDEF has consistently opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which we believe does not align with the constitutional criteria for such a measure. Despite political disagreements by individuals, peace has been maintained in the state—unlike in several other parts of the country where security and human lives are under constant threat. Indeed, so to say, not even a fly has been harmed in Rivers State, and economic activities remain intact. Nonetheless, we continue to urge the good people of Rivers State, and indeed the entire South-South region, to uphold the peace and, under the current unusual circumstances, to cooperate with the imposed Administrator. That said, we must reiterate our firm position that the appointment of the Administrator is not only a constitutional aberration but also a serious dent on Nigeria’s democratic image and its standing within the international community.

4. In light of the above, we hold the expectation that members of the newly inaugurated Adhoc Committee will seize the opportunity to etch their names in gold by providing effective oversight of the Administrator’s actions, and where appropriate, reversing some of the unlawful measures he has undertaken since assuming office. A case in point is the arbitrary dissolution of duly constituted democratic institutions, followed by rather whimsical and capricious reconstitution of same.

5. The Administrator’s pattern of governance has included the appointment of Sole Administrators for Local Government Councils, heads of government agencies, and more recently, ministries due process and democratic norms. It would not be surprising, therefore, if he proceeds in due course to appoint Permanent Secretaries of his own choosing. Similarly, his decision to cancel or suspend all ongoing procurement processes, ostensibly to implement his own preferred projects and priorities, raises serious concerns about governance integrity and fiscal transparency.

6. It is important to recall that Rivers State is supported by a robust and capable civil service, which, especially in such circumstances, should serve as the institutional backbone of governance. For context, Presidents Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, both relied on the Federal Civil Service to manage Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for several months prior to the appointment of their respective ministers. This practice is also mirrored in many of the 36 states, where civil servants serve as temporary custodians in the absence of appointed leadership.

7. Finally, allow us to respectfully suggest that the Adhoc Committee be encouraged, as part of its oversight responsibilities, to actively facilitate a political resolution in Rivers State. This task should be pursued with urgency, diligence, and an unwavering sense of neutrality. As the nerve centre of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and a region of immense geopolitical significance, Rivers State remains vital to the nation’s economic stability and the continued maturation of our democratic process. The restoration of democracy in the state, most importantly through the reinstatement of its duly elected governor, is a mission of national importance – one that must be accomplished without delay.

8. May the Almighty God continue to bless during this Holy Week of prayer and beyond.

Amb. Godknows B. Igali, PhD, OON
National Chairman