By Daniel Edu
In a significant development, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State signed a crucial peace accord with his predecessor and current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, aiming to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the state. The accord, brokered by President Bola Tinubu and various stakeholders, was finalized during a key meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The eight-point peace deal outlines several resolutions to ease tensions and pave the way for political stability in Rivers State. Notable points include the cessation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, the reinstatement of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, leader of the G27 lawmakers who switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the withdrawal of all legal matters related to the political crisis. Additionally, Governor Fubara will re-submit his N800.3 billion 2024 budget to the House for approval.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Presidential Villa, included key figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Governor of Rivers State Ngozi Odu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.
Prior to this resolution, an Abuja court decision on the political crisis had heightened tensions in Rivers State, leading elders from the region to urge President Tinubu to intervene. The court order, leaked on social media, allegedly sought to nullify the declaration of the seats of 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC as vacant.
The Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum expressed concern over the attempt to impeach Governor Fubara and called for a thorough investigation into the crisis. The forum also condemned violence and lawlessness in the state.
Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stated that it had not received any court order regarding the declaration of the seats of the 27 lawmakers as vacant. The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) emphasized the need for INEC to schedule bye-elections to fill the vacant seats.
In response to these developments, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola asserted that President Tinubu’s intervention was not required in the political crises in Ondo and Rivers states. Fashola urged adherence to the constitution and the roles assigned to individuals in resolving such matters.
