PANDEF Hails Lifting of Rivers State Emergency Rule, Calls It ‘Dawn of a Glorious Day’

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the foremost socio-political group representing the South-South region, has welcomed the lifting of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as “the dawn of a glorious day.”

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its leaders—Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass; Co-Chairman, Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State; National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali; and National Secretary, Engr. Beks Dagogo-Jack—PANDEF urged political leaders and citizens of the state to unite, put the past behind them, and work for the collective good of Rivers.

The forum expressed optimism that the state would now return to normalcy and resume its developmental path under Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday lifted the emergency rule, directing the reinstated Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly to resume duties on Thursday, September 18.

The PANDEF statement read: “The Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF join millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025. While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly. We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God.”

The forum also called for reconciliation and renewed commitment to peace and development in the state: “We say to the political leaders and people of Rivers State, who were the true victims of the dark days, that light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. This moment should inspire all to rededicate themselves to mutual forbearance, new alignments, and forward movement. All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind and work towards the collective good of the state.”

PANDEF reiterated its commitment to supporting Rivers in its quest for peace, progress, and development.

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