By Sola Ojewusi
Abuja, April 17, 2025 — The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows B. Igali, has written an open letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, commending the National Assembly’s recent action on the situation in Rivers State and calling for the immediate restoration of democratic governance.
In the letter dated April 16, 2025, Igali, a former diplomat and respected elder statesman, praised the Speaker and the 10th House of Representatives for the timely constitution and inauguration of an Adhoc Oversight Committee to investigate the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
Describing the committee’s formation as “visionary and courageous,” Igali highlighted its significance in upholding constitutional order and democratic principles. He particularly lauded the appointment of Professor Julius Ihonvbere as Chairman of the Committee, noting his national integrity and intellectual leadership.
PANDEF reiterated its opposition to the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers, arguing that the situation in the state does not meet the constitutional threshold for such drastic action. “Not even a fly has been harmed,” the letter stated, emphasizing the prevailing peace and functional economic activity in the state.
Ambassador Igali criticized the actions of the appointed Administrator, describing them as unconstitutional and undemocratic. He cited the dissolution of elected local government councils and arbitrary reappointments as clear violations of due process and fiscal transparency.
The letter also drew attention to the capable Rivers State civil service, urging that it be allowed to function as the backbone of governance during this period, rather than being sidelined by executive fiat.
In his concluding remarks, Igali urged the Adhoc Committee to not only monitor the situation but also work toward a political solution that would lead to the reinstatement of the elected governor and a return to democratic rule in the oil-rich state.
“With Rivers State being a strategic hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, restoring democratic order there is a mission of national importance,” the PANDEF Chairman stressed.
The letter, signed off during the Christian Holy Week, expressed hope for divine guidance as the nation navigates this delicate chapter in its democratic journey.
BELOW IS THE TEXT OF THE OP3N LETTER
OPEN LETTER FROM AMBASSADOR IGALI 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 EMERGEMCY 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
