The Rivers Elders Council has appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly to avoid further political conflict and work together for the peace and progress of the state, following the end of the six-month emergency rule.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, the council noted that the crisis that plunged Rivers into emergency rule should serve as a lesson to all parties, urging stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and focus on governance.
“As the end of the emergency rule beckons, this affords us an opportunity to reflect on what to do to avoid a recurrence of the unfortunate circumstances we found ourselves in, and more importantly, how to sustain peace, unity and development in our beloved Rivers State,” the statement read.
The elders commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his role in the reconciliation process, as well as Governor Fubara and Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule for agreeing to put the past behind them and resume their constitutional duties in harmony.
They also warned individuals and groups still “fanning the embers of discord” to desist from inflammatory statements and respect the reconciliation deal. “They should prioritise the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without further distractions,” the statement added.
The council reminded both parties of the reconciliation pledge they made before President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, stressing that it “remains sacrosanct” and must guide their actions going forward.
The elders also thanked Rivers people for their patience during the emergency period, describing it as proof of their faith in Tinubu’s leadership. They lauded the president for averting “a looming disaster” and praised his decision to entrust Wike with resolving the crisis.
“Mr. President, we appreciate you and assure you that you have already captured the hearts of the people of Rivers State. As your administration continues to pursue the Renewed Hope Agenda, you can count on the support of Rivers people at all times,” the elders said.
Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly after months of political turmoil. The crisis, marked by the demolition of the Assembly complex, disputes over legislative legitimacy, and widespread security concerns, had paralysed governance.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as sole administrator, while leaving judicial institutions intact. Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, later defended the action as necessary to halt a breakdown of order and restore constitutional governance in the state.
Leave a Reply