Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has taken significant steps to sustain the peace recently restored in the state after over two years of political tension.
Governor Fubara met with his predecessor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside a larger group of political leaders loyal to the FCT Minister, in a bid to consolidate the calm atmosphere in the oil-rich state.
The closed-door meeting was held at the Port Harcourt residence of elder statesman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, and lasted till the early hours of Sunday. Prominent figures in attendance included the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule; Senators Barinada Mpigi, Magnus Abe, Wilson Ake, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; former Minister of Environment, Udi Odom; HYPRP Board Chairman, Emma Deeyah; and former federal lawmakers Chidi Wihioka and Chinyere Igwe.
Although details of the Governor’s meeting with Wike and his allies were not disclosed, it is believed that both leaders are aligning efforts to uphold the peace accord reached under President Bola Tinubu during the six-month emergency rule in the state. The renewed engagement comes shortly after Governor Fubara’s visit to President Tinubu, where he reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and sought presidential counsel on avoiding a relapse into political crisis.
During the meeting, Governor Fubara directed commissioners affected by the Supreme Court judgment on the Rivers political crisis to step aside, while eight others unaffected by the ruling have since resumed official duties. The FCT Minister restated his commitment to the peace process, noting that he had no intention of influencing the selection of new commissioners.
The meeting is seen as a litmus test for the long-term sustainability of the peace accord. Governor Fubara’s efforts to maintain peace in the state have been commendable, and his meeting with Wike and other leaders is a significant step towards ensuring stability in Rivers State.
The peace accord reached under President Tinubu’s emergency rule has brought a measure of calm to the state, and it remains to be seen how the leaders will work together to maintain peace and stability in the long term.
