The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to end emergency rule in the state.
Naija News reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, had earlier announced that they would work together for the state’s progress.
In a statement on Thursday, the acting chairman of the forum and former deputy governor of Rivers, Gabriel Toby, stated that since reconciliation has been achieved, it is only fair that the state of emergency in the state be lifted.
He stated that 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”.
The statement reads, “For the record, we reaffirm that our only interest has always been to safeguard the image, soul, and dignity of Rivers state.
“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.”
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