…Calls For Restraint From Aggrieved Persons
By Eric Moore
THE Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) has hailed President Bola Tinubu for at last, brokering peace between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Speaker Martin Amaewhule and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The group, in a statement signed by its convener, Obinna Ebogidi, noted severe impact of the political quagmire on Rivers residents, governance, economy, security and social activities in the last two years.
Ebogidi said the truce was a welcome development, although it was overdue, and commended Governor Fubara for prioritizing the peace of the state.
He said: “The Rivers Peace Initiative welcomes the outcome of the recent meeting convened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This meeting, and the truce it represents, is a much-needed step in the right direction after nearly two years of a political crisis that severely impacted governance in Rivers State, cost lives, damaged property, and sowed deep divisions within our society.
“While this reconciliation is long overdue, we believe that choosing peace, even at this stage, is better than allowing the crisis to continue. The people of Rivers State have suffered enough. Governance was stalled, public institutions weakened, and much-needed development pushed aside.
“We commend Governor Fubara for prioritizing the peace and stability of the state over political pride. Leadership demands difficult decisions, and the choice to embrace dialogue and compromise reflects a commitment to the greater good.”
The RPI also urged the House of Assembly to reciprocate the cooperation of the governor in interest of the citizens to move the state forward.
The group urged those dissatisfied with the peace reconciliation to shun all political grievances and any act that would truncate the long-yearned peace in Rivers.
Ebogidi expressed: “We also call on the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate this spirit of cooperation and work with the executive to refocus on development, especially in areas critical to the lives of ordinary citizens like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation.
“To those dissatisfied with the outcome of this truce, we urge restraint. Political grievances should be pursued through democratic processes, not through actions that threaten the stability of the state. The next election will provide an opportunity for all voices to be heard.
“This is the time to recover lost ground and rebuild public trust. The work ahead is significant, but it is necessary. Rivers State cannot afford to relapse into conflict.
“As the Rivers Peace Initiative, we will continue to monitor the implementation of this truce and encourage all parties to keep the people of Rivers at the centre of every decision moving forward. Let us now turn the page and focus on rebuilding our state,” the group urged.