Prominent Niger Delta activist and PANDEF leader, Annkio Briggs has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his handling of peace talks concerning the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Speaking in an interview with TVC News, Briggs described the president’s treatment of the Pan Niger Delta Forum delegation as disrespectful and dismissive.
Briggs, who was part of the delegation that visited Aso Rock on March 11, 2025, to discuss solutions to the crisis in Rivers State, expressed her disappointment in the president’s approach.
“Yes, Mr. President did not show neutrality. Even until now, I will even forget before this time. I’m telling you now because I was among the PANDEF delegates that went to see President Tinubu on the 11th of this month, last Tuesday.
I was amongst them. Now I can tell you that we were treated with disdain and disrespect by the president. We were kept waiting for over one and a half hours,” she stated.
The meeting, which was expected to serve as a platform for dialogue and conflict resolution reportedly fell short of expectations.
Briggs emphasized that the delegation felt undermined adding that Tinubu’s attitude did not reflect a willingness to fairly mediate the crisis.
The political unrest in Rivers State has heightened tensions between opposing factions with calls for a neutral and just resolution.
PANDEF, a key regional body advocating for the interests of the Niger Delta sought Tinubu’s intervention to restore peace. However, Briggs’ account suggests that the meeting did not yield the desired results.
As the crisis continues, observers are questioning the federal government’s role and whether Tinubu’s administration is taking a balanced approach to resolving the conflict.