Rivers elders to Tinubu: Wike, Fubara have reconciled — lift emergency rule

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has asked President Bola Tinubu to end the emergency rule in the state.

The Rivers elders said since peace and reconciliation have been achieved in the state, democratic structures should be restored.

On June 26, Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, said they have both agreed to work together for the peace of the state.

They made the comment after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, alongside some members of the Rivers assembly.

TheCable had reported that Tinubu agreed to reinstate Fubara as the governor of the state — but with the condition that he would not seek re-election in 2027.

On March 18, Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers over the political crisis and instability in the state occasioned by the feud between Wike and Fubara.

The president suspended Fubara and Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator.

‘TERMS OF RECONCILIATION SHOULD BE ROOTED IN 1999 CONSTITUTION’

In a statement on Thursday, Gabriel Toby, acting chairman of the forum and former deputy governor of Rivers, said the elders hope the reconciliation terms between Wike and Fubara are grounded in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The forum asked 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”.

“For the record, we reaffirm that our only interest has always been to safeguard the image, soul, and dignity of Rivers state,” Toby said.

“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.

“However, 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.

“Once again, we sincerely thank all parties involved, especially Mr President, for the role he has played in steering this process to this moment.

“To this end, we request that, 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.”