Photo File: The Governor Of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara

The Rivers State Elders Council has appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly to work together and steer clear of any fresh political conflict as the state transitions out of emergency rule.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and titled “End of Emergency Rule: Let’s Unite for the Peace and Progress of Our Dear State,” Chairman of the council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, said stakeholders must learn from the past crisis and “embrace the peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state.”

He urged all actors to avoid a recurrence of the events that led to the imposition of emergency rule and instead focus on sustaining peace, unity and development in the oil-rich state.

Alabraba commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his role in the reconciliation process, and lauded both Fubara and the House of Assembly for agreeing to put the past behind them as they resume their constitutional duties.

The elders, however, warned individuals or groups still nursing grievances to desist from making inciting remarks for selfish gain.

“As the end of the emergency rule in our dear state beckons, and restoration of full democratic governance ushers in Governor Siminilayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule, to resume their constitutional duties, this affords us an opportunity to reflect on a number of issues: where we are coming from, what to do to avoid the recurrence of the unfortunate circumstances we found ourselves and significantly, how to sustain peace, unity and development in our beloved Rivers State,” the statement read.

“We also quickly wish to admonish the few individuals and groups who are still fanning the embers of discord to come to terms with the fact that the crisis is over and stop making inflammatory statements, inciting rhetoric in the media and whipping up sentiments for their selfish interests. They should prioritise the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without further distractions.”

Alabraba reminded the governor and lawmakers that they not only agreed on peace in Abuja but “went to the Villa and affirmed their reconciliation before His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“That vow Mr President remains sacrosanct. Therefore, going forward, they must work harmoniously in the interest of the state. The people of Rivers State expect nothing less from them,” he said.

The elders also commended Rivers people for their patience during the emergency rule, describing it as an attestation of faith in President Tinubu’s administration “whose proactive action averted the disaster that was about to descend on the state.”

They gave “special mention” to Wike, calling him “the indefatigable political leader of Rivers State” who “midwifed the entire reconciliation process” and ensured the parties briefed Tinubu first-hand.

“We say a very big thank you for bringing Rivers State back from the brink and taking actions to ensure the peace that we now enjoy in the state… Your astute resolution of the Rivers crisis is yet another manifestation of your goodwill towards the state. Mr President, we appreciate you and assure you that you have already captured the hearts of the people of Rivers State and as your administration continues to pursue the Renewed Hope Agenda, you can count on the support of Rivers people at all times.”

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial six months amid a deep political crisis involving Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.

Flashpoints included the demolition of the Assembly complex in late 2023, disputes over legislative membership and legitimacy, and allegations of widespread pipeline vandalism. Governance was considered paralysed, and the Supreme Court later criticised the governor’s handling of the Assembly as tantamount to “despotism,” saying there was “no functioning government” in Rivers.

Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to run state affairs during the emergency while leaving judicial institutions intact. Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi defended the measure as necessary to stop the collapse of governance and restore constitutional order, saying the President’s action followed careful evaluation and mediation efforts.