Rivers State Elders Council welcomes Fubara’s return, calls for unity and peace as full democratic governance is restored following political reconciliation
Rivers State political reconciliation has been welcomed with great enthusiasm as citizens anticipate the full return of democratic governance, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly.
Also read: Tinubu Ends Rivers Emergency Rule Amid Fierce Criticism
In a statement signed by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, the Rivers State Elders Council described the end of the state of emergency as a defining moment and called on all stakeholders to embrace peace and reconciliation.
“This is an opportunity to reflect on where we are coming from and how to avoid the unfortunate circumstances that led us here,” said Alabraba.
The council commended both Governor Fubara and House Speaker Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule for reaffirming their reconciliation before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that their pledge must now translate into harmonious governance.
The Elders Council strongly warned individuals still fanning the embers of discord to desist from divisive rhetoric and instead prioritise the state’s collective interest.
“The crisis is over. It is time to move forward. Let Governor Fubara and the House work together without further distractions,” the statement read.
They also praised President Tinubu for his decisive intervention in preventing deeper political instability and reaffirmed their support for his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Special recognition was given to Chief Nyesom Wike, former governor and current Minister of the FCT, for his role in mediating between the political factions.
“He once again showed statesmanship and a large heart in guiding the reconciliation process,” Alabraba noted.
Prominent South-South elder, High Chief Omubo Harry, expressed joy over the governor’s return, noting that Rivers had endured much during the emergency rule.
“The people are eager for a fresh start. It’s time to focus on development,” he stated.
Civil rights advocate and former adviser Opunabo Inko-Tariah described the return of democratic order as “a stone of hope” after enduring what he called “six months of painful retrogression.”
However, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ally of former Minister Chibuike Amaechi, sounded a note of caution, questioning whether the returning Fubara would wield full executive power or serve as a “ceremonial governor.”
“The people’s hope lies in a Fubara who knows he was elected to govern, not to rubber-stamp directives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rivers APC spokesperson, Mr. Darlington Nwauju, called the return “commendable” and urged Fubara to join the APC, which he claimed would allow him to fast-track stalled development projects.
Also read: Tinubu Ends Rivers Emergency Rule Amid Fierce Criticism
He also encouraged the reinstatement of free education, the revitalisation of abandoned infrastructure, and bipartisan cooperation for the good of the state.
