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Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
Following the recent reconciliation of the political quarrel between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has called for the lifting of State of Emergency imposed on the State.
They also called for the restoration of all suspended democratic structures in the state without any further delays.
The State Elders and Leaders’ Forum made the call via a statement signed by His Excellency, Dr Gabriel Toby,
Acting Chairman of the forum and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
“Since peace and reconciliation have been achieved, it is our considered view that the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State be lifted and all suspended democratic structures fully restored.
“The will of Rivers people should be respected, and the institutions of democratic governance must be allowed to function freely and transparently”, the Eldes Forum requested.
They expressed gratitude to God and commended the show of maturity, and courage demonstrated by the warring parties in embracing peace and reconciliation process saying that the crisis 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”.
They also expressed optimism that the terms of reconciliation were well rooted within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and the rule of law.
The Forum stated; “Today, we thank God Almighty and commend the recent show of maturity, and courage demonstrated by both men in embracing peace and reconciliation process.
“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 Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intervene as the father of the nation.
“For the record, we reaffirm that our only 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 we welcome and commend this process, we choose not to delve any further into the subject, because the terms of settlement are yet to be made public.
“Once again, we sincerely thank all parties involved, especially Mr President, for the role he has played in steering this process to this moment.
They urged everyone in Rivers 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 the State and allow rise again in pride, and purpose.
