Prominent Rivers State elders have petitioned President Bola Tinubu to end emergency rule in the state, citing the successful reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike as justification for restoring normal democratic governance.
The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum made the appeal in a statement issued Thursday, arguing that the resolution of the political crisis between the two key figures eliminates the need for continued emergency administration in the oil-rich state.
Gabriel Toby, the forum’s acting chairman and former deputy governor, emphasized that the reconciliation between Wike and Fubara creates the foundation for lifting the extraordinary measures that have suspended normal democratic operations in 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,” Toby stated, reflecting the elders’ position that emergency rule has outlived its purpose.
The elders’ intervention comes after Wike and Fubara publicly announced their commitment to collaborate for the state’s development, marking a significant shift from the political tensions that previously characterized their relationship and contributed to the imposition of emergency rule.
The forum praised President Tinubu’s role in facilitating the reconciliation process, acknowledging his administration’s efforts to mediate between the feuding political leaders and restore stability to the state.
“We sincerely thank all parties involved, especially Mr President, for the role he has played in steering this process to this moment,” the statement read, recognizing federal intervention in resolving the state-level political crisis.
However, the elders expressed some reservations about the reconciliation process, noting that the specific terms of the agreement between Wike and Fubara remain undisclosed to the public.
“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,” Toby explained, indicating the forum’s cautious approach to the reconciliation details.
The elders emphasized their expectation that any reconciliation agreement should conform to constitutional provisions and legal requirements, ensuring that the resolution respects Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“It is our 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,” the statement specified, underlining the importance of constitutional compliance.
The forum positioned itself as a neutral party focused solely on Rivers State’s welfare, disclaiming any personal or political motivations behind their intervention in the ongoing political situation.
“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,” Toby declared, emphasizing the elders’ commitment to the state’s broader interests.
The elders called on Rivers residents to view the reconciliation as an opportunity for renewed cooperation rather than merely the end of political disagreements, encouraging citizens to support the peace process.
“We request Rivers residents to seize this moment of reconciliation not as the end of disagreements but as the beginning of a new chapter, marked by mutual respect,” the forum stated, promoting unity among the state’s population.
The statement also emphasized the importance of respecting Rivers people’s democratic choices and ensuring that governmental institutions can operate without interference or restrictions.
“The will of Rivers people should be respected, and the institutions of democratic governance must be allowed to function freely and transparently,” the elders insisted, advocating for full democratic restoration.
The emergency rule in Rivers State was imposed amid escalating political tensions between Wike and Fubara, with their conflict affecting state governance and democratic processes. The federal intervention aimed to prevent further deterioration of the political situation.
The elders’ appeal to President Tinubu reflects broader expectations that the reconciliation between the two leaders creates conditions for returning to normal constitutional governance in Rivers State.
Political observers will be watching closely to see whether the federal government responds positively to the elders’ request and whether the Wike-Fubara reconciliation proves durable enough to support the restoration of full democratic governance in the state.
