The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has congratulated Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on their recent reconciliation.
The Acting Chairman of the Forum, Dr Gabriel Toby, speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, described the political crisis that rocked the state over the past few months as 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.”
The elders also commended President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis and praised Fubara and Wike for showing maturity and courage in embracing peace.
“This was exactly what we, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, had earnestly sought from the very beginning.
“Unfortunately, our initial efforts were not heeded, which necessitated our formal appeal to Mr President.”
They further stressed that its involvement was driven solely by the desire to protect the 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,” Dr Toby stated.
Though the terms of the reconciliation were yet to be made public, the elders expressed hope that the process was anchored within the 1999 Constitution and in full compliance with the rule of law.
With peace now restored, the Forum urged authorities to reinstate all suspended democratic structures.
“It is our considered view that the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State be lifted and all suspended democratic structures fully restored,” the statement said.
The Forum called for the immediate lifting of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, following the peace deal.
They expressed hope that the reconciliation process is anchored within the 1999 Constitution and in full compliance with the rule of law.
The Forum also urged authorities to reinstate all suspended democratic structures and called on Rivers citizens to embrace the new season of peace as a beginning marked by unity and shared purpose.
