The Rivers State Elders Council has appealed to political stakeholders to prioritise peace and unity as democratic governance resumes in the state.
Chairman of the council, Ferdinand Alabraba, made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday following President Bola Tinubu’s lifting of emergency rule in the state. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could reignite political tension. “Let us deepen the reconciliation that has been achieved. The elders council urges individuals and groups still fanning the embers of discord to desist forthwith. The crisis is over. Rivers’ interest must come first,” he said.
Alabraba commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislature for reaffirming their commitment to work together in the interest of Rivers people. He praised residents for their patience throughout the six months of emergency rule, describing it as a demonstration of trust in the president’s intervention.
The elders’ council chairman said the president’s decisive move averted what could have been a major disaster. “We specially commend former governor of the state and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his role in midwifing this reconciliation. Wike demonstrated a large heart by bringing the parties together; he ensured that they gave the president a first-hand briefing about their understanding,” he noted.
He also thanked President Tinubu for his firm stance in resolving the political crisis that had nearly destabilised the state. “Tinubu’s decisive action restored peace in the state and strengthened the people’s confidence in his Renewed Hope Agenda. As elders, we shall continue to promote peace and stability. We urge political leaders in the state to work together in order to promote unity and development in the state,” Alabraba added.
