Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has issued a strong call to action on the 26th anniversary of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, urging urgent restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State.

In a press statement by its President, Godknows Igali, PANDEF commemorated the historic significance of June 12, 1993, and highlighted ongoing challenges facing Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.

Marking 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, PANDEF congratulated Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu, who now leads the nation in honouring Democracy Day. The forum also acknowledged the state pardon granted to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, recognizing their sacrifices as part of Nigeria’s democratic legacy.

“Today is a poignant reminder of our bittersweet democratic journey,” said Igali. “While Nigeria has made progress since the Fourth Republic began, many Nigerians still face critical challenges—food insecurity, poor healthcare, inadequate education, and severe environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.”

The statement expressed deep concern over what PANDEF described as “creeping authoritarianism” in Rivers State, which threatens democratic institutions and good governance. The forum warned that this situation undermines Nigeria’s collective democratic achievements and called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly, led by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to intervene swiftly.

“The prolonged political crisis in Rivers State has created instability that directly impacts the well-being of everyday citizens,” Igali stressed. “We urge all political actors in Rivers State to lay down their arms and embrace peace. As Ecclesiastes 3:8 teaches us, ‘There is a time for war and a time for peace.’ The time for peace has come, in honor of the heroes and martyrs of June 12.”

PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to championing accountable, people-driven governance in Rivers State and supporting efforts to realize the foundational ideals of Nigeria’s democracy. (The Sun)