Sophia Michaels
The governor of Rivers state, Sim Fubara, has said the peace pact facilitated by President Bola Tinubu to settle the rift between him and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike is not a death sentence.
This is as he stated that he has accepted the Presidential peace proclamation and is committed to implement it.
The governor stated this during this Christmas day state broadcast to residents of the state today December 25.
While acknowledging the mixed reactions the agreement has generated, the Governor said he has taken time to study the terms and found out the peace pact is not as bad as it is being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it, saying that it offers some way towards a lasting peace and stability in Rivers State.
“Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation has naturally elicited mixed reactions from our people and across the country. While most stakeholders have violently condemned it, a few others have applauded It.
As a principal participant in the entire saga, I have taken some time to study the terms therein and have come to the conclusion that the Peace Pact is not as bad as it is being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it. It is certainly, not a death sentence. It offers some way towards a lasting peace and stability in our dear State.
Accordingly, I reaffirm my acceptance of the Presidential Peace Proclamation and my commitment to implementing both the spirit and letters of the declaration in such a way and manner that will restore political stability to our dear State without compromising the collective interest of our people and our cherished and shared democratic values.
Already, both parties have demonstrated some good faith in the implementation process with the withdrawal of the purported impeachment notice on their part, and the release of hitherto withheld allowances of the members of the State House of Assembly by the Government.
I have said before, there is no price too much to pay for peace. And with the realization that the worst peace is better than the best war, we will strive to make peace with all segments and interest groups without surrendering our freedom nor jeopardizing the interest and well-being of the good people of Rivers State who graciously entrusted us with their cherished mandate.”
On December 18, Wike and Governor Fubara had a closed door meeting with President Tinubu in the state house where some resolutions were made to foster peace in the state. Many have said the resolutions are all in favour of Nyesom Wike.
The resolution includes;
1. ALL matters instituted in the courts by the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, and his team, in respect of the political crisis in Rivers State, shall be withdrawn IMMEDIATELY
2. ALL impeachment proceedings initiated against the Governor of Rivers State by the Rivers State House of Assembly should be dropped immediately
3. The leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly as led by the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule shall be recognized alongside the 27 members who resigned from the PDP
4. The remunerations and benefits of ALL members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff must be reinstated immediately and the Governor of Rivers State shall henceforth not interfere with the full funding of the Rivers State House of Assembly
5. The Rivers State House of Assembly shall choose where they want to sit and conduct their legislative business without interference and/or hindrance from the Executive arm of government
6. The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, shall re-present the state budget to a properly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly
7. The names of ALL commissioners in the Rivers State Executive Council who resigned their appointments because of the political crisis in the state should be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for approval
8. There should NOT be a caretaker committee for the local governments in Rivers State. The dissolution of the Local Government administration is null and void and shall not be recognized.
Nigerians have taken to social media to react to trhis development. While some agree that the state governor needed to sign the deal for peace to reign, others were of the opinion that he signed off his power as a sitting governor.
