By Atoyebi Nike
The Rivers Elders Council has appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly to put aside past disputes and focus on peace, unity, and development as full democratic governance resumes in the state.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Council Chairman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba said the end of emergency rule offers stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on the political crisis and prevent a recurrence.
“We urge all stakeholders, without exception, to embrace the peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state,” the elders stated.
The Council commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening to avert a political breakdown, praising him for his “proactive action” in restoring order. It also hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for midwifing the reconciliation process that brought Fubara and the Assembly leadership back to the table.
The elders further lauded Rivers people for their patience during the six-month emergency rule, which began on March 18, 2025, after escalating clashes between Fubara and his predecessor Wike.
Warning against incitement, the Council urged individuals or groups “still fanning the embers of discord” to stop making inflammatory statements for selfish interests.
They reminded both Fubara and the Assembly that they had pledged peace not only in Abuja but also before President Tinubu at the Villa, stressing that the vow “remains sacrosanct.”
The statement concluded: “The people of Rivers State expect nothing less than harmony between the Governor and the Assembly. We call on them to prioritise governance, peace, and the development of our beloved state.”
The political crisis had earlier led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) appointed as sole administrator during the emergency rule.
