Rivers Crisis: Abuja Resolution, A Death Sentence – Rivers Elders, Urge Fubara To Be Guided By Constitution

By Ayodele Oni

Notable stakeholders under the auspices of Rivers Elders have told Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to implement the Abuja Resolution on the political crisis in the state.

Rather, the elders advised Fubara to handle the issue constitutionally describing the pact as “a death sentence as it breaches all legal and constitutional rights you swore to uphold.”

President Bola Tinubu had brokered peace between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike over the political crisis in the state with a seven point resolution.

The crisis had led to division in the House of Assembly with 25 members loyal to Wike dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while the remaining lawmakers backed the governor.

The elders who signed the letter to Fubara include former Governors Chief Ada George, Ibim Princewill among others.

Part of the letter states: “We the people of Rivers State do not see any peace in the so called ‘Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation.’

“The Forum commends your Excellency’s honesty and sincerity in accepting that Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation ‘has elicited mixed reactions from our people and across the country…’

“Peace can only be practiced in a germane, truthful and just society. In this case, the environment in which the peace was brokered showed no sensitivity to the people’s security, political and social interest.

“Mr. Governor Sir, you stated categorically that you are a principal participant in the

entire saga and the Presidential Peace Proclamation is not as bad as being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it.

“That proclamation is actually a death sentence as it breaches all legal and constitutional rights you swore to uphold. Mr. Governor, you

also stated in your broadcast that the document offers a way and means of peace: PEACE AT WHAT COST?

“Excellency Sir, one of the Arab-Israeli wars was declared over on the lawns of the White House,

believing that the war was indeed over with a declaration that there is peace in Galilee.

“Today we are living witnesses to the facts that the documents signed by the Late Israeli President Menachem Begin, and the Late PLO Chairman, Yasser Arafat, has been shredded into pieces, and there is neither celebration of Christmas nor peace in Bethlehem.

“On this note, we state that you do not place too much premium on the assurances of detractors; rather, be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria you swore to uphold.

“The Forum believes that there could be peace in Port Harcourt and indeed the entire Rivers State if only your Excellency would be circumspect in your actions, measured in your engagements, and have a critical mind in your review of events.

“Therefore Mr. Governor, you have no constitutional or any other legal power to implement the ‘Presidential Peace Proclamation’.

“The message of Christmas is peace in Bethlehem and to the world. We, at this Forum also wish you peace in Port Harcourt and the entire Rivers State.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

See full text below.