Leaders and elders of Rivers State have expressed satisfaction over the current reconciliation between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the 27 State House of Assembly members.
The elders under the aegis of Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, praised President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in the State through the reconciliation process that has reunited Wike and his godson, Governor Fubara.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, former deputy governor of Rivers, Dr Gabriel Toby, noted that for the past months, the the state experienced painful divisions and political tensions that pitched between Wike, Fubara and the lawmakers
Toby, who spoke as the Acting Chairman of the forum, said “It was a sad development that deeply wounded the soul of our dear state and cast an undeserved shadow on our collective image, unity, progress and prosperity”.
He gave God Almighty thanks and commended “the recent show of maturity, and courage demonstrated by both men in embracing peace and reconciliation process”.
According to the elders “This was exactly what we, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, had earnestly sought from the very beginning, when we first extended an olive branch and invited both parties to a roundtable.
“Unfortunately, our initial efforts were not heeded, which necessitated our formal appeal to Mr President, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, to intervene as the father of the nation.”
They reaffirmed that their interest has always been to safeguard the image, soul, and dignity of Rivers State.
“We seek no personal gain, political favour, or reward. Our sole desire is to see our state thrive, with its leaders united and working together for the common good of all.”
While they welcomed and commended the process, the group said they choose not to delve any further into the subject, noting that the terms of settlement are yet to be made public.
They expressed the hope that the terms of reconciliation are well rooted within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and the rule of law.
“Once again, we sincerely thank all parties involved, especially Mr President, for the role he has played in steering this process to this moment.
“To this end, we request that, since peace and reconciliation have been achieved, It is our considered advice that the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State be lifted and all suspended democratic structures fully restored.”
The group said the will of Rivers people should be respected, and the institutions of democratic governance must be allowed to function freely and transparently.
They however, urged everyone in the State to seize the moment of reconciliation not as the end of disagreements, but as the beginning of a new chapter, marked by mutual respect, collective responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the peace, progress and unity of our dear State.
Blessing Ibunge
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