PANDEF welcomes end of emergency rule in Rivers, hails Fubara’s return to office

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political organization of the South-South region, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for lifting the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective from midnight of Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by its Board of Trustees Co-Chairmen, King Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, as well as National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Engr. Beks Dagogo-Jack, PANDEF said the decision marked the restoration of democratic normalcy in the oil-rich state.

The group acknowledged that it had strongly opposed the imposition of emergency rule but praised President Tinubu for what it described as “a bold step to rectify the anomaly.”

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PANDEF welcomed Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and commended his perseverance throughout the suspension. Similar tributes were extended to Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were also affected by the federal government’s decision.

Addressing the people of Rivers State, PANDEF urged political leaders and citizens to embrace reconciliation and work for the collective good of 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,” the statement read. “All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind and work towards the collective good of the state.”

The forum expressed optimism that the end of the emergency rule would allow Rivers State to return to its developmental path under Governor Fubara’s leadership.

It also reiterated its commitment to supporting the government and people of the state in their pursuit of peace, progress, and inclusive development.