Steering The Ship Of State: Fubara Extends Hand Of Friendship To Rivers Lawmakers
… Invites them to Government House for a heart to heart chat in the overall interest of Rivers people
By PHC Telegraph
What looks like a massive storm which has been hovering across the horizon of Rivers State may blow over.
In its place, there are indications that the Rivers people who have witnessed a lot of political turmoil these past months may henceforth breath easily.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has in line with norms which govern relationships between the Executive and Legislative arms in every democracy extended a hand of fellowship to the legislature.
Rivers lawmakers led by their Speaker, Martins Amaewhule are expected to meet formally today with the State Governor at Government House, Port Harcourt.
While there, Governor Fubara and State lawmakers would rub minds on matters of State interest.
They are also expected to discuss the way forward for a State that has for months been embroiled in crisis.
It will be their first meeting since crisis erupted in the State and the Supreme Court waded in.
The State Governor has not only moved to implement the dictates of the Supreme Court, he has equally accorded official recognition to the lawmakers in line with the ruling of the nation’sapex court which validated their membership of the House.
Similarly, Fubara has dismantled local government council administrations in adherence to the pronouncement of the Supreme Court.
Rivers people regardless of their political, religious or socio-cultural leaning have been looking forward to a day like this. That day is here at last.
The Governor’s gesture, if the legislature accepts, would pave the way for peace and lead to the restoration of cooperation and understanding which are very necessary in steering the ship of State.
Well meaning observers in the country who have been watching events in the oil-rich State, and who have been hoping for a breakthrough in the Rivers crisis see the Governor’s offer as a remarkable move towards the achievement of peace.
Speaking at the commissioning of a fire service facility at Rumuodomaya, Chief Hanny Woko said in respect of the efforts of the Rivers Governor, “You have come to serve Rivers State, and be rest assured that Rivers people will protect this democracy and protect you.
Chief Hanny Woko“There is no pretense about it: the love is organic, and we will make sure we continue to support you.”
Woko further declared, “I want to use this opportunity to call on every reasonable Rivers son and daughter to know, there should be an end to every conflict. Rivers State has been, always, in the news for the negative reasons, and we condemn that.
Said Ogbonna Nwuke, a former member of the House of Representatives, “Even when great wars are fought, it is usually at the roundtable that the terms of peace are thoroughly defined through dialogue.
“All who are well meaning should support the bid. The request by Governor Fubara to meet with the lawmakers in my view is a remarkable effort to put the past behind us.”
What will Amaewhule and his colleagues do? Will they, despite ongoing pressures from persons who wish to see the State disintegrate, accept the offer of peace which could result in constructive engagement?
The Rivers people whose State has been at the centre of an unwanted conflict wait patiently to see what the outcome of today’s meeting would be.
Our sources say the Presidency is keenly watching developments in Rivers State. We however cannot confirm if President Bola Tinubu is pulling strings behind the scene to ensure Rivers State enjoys peace.
“Whatever happens in Rivers State”, a source noted, “is of great interest to the Presidency. If peace returns to Rivers State, it will be a “win-win situation” for all. And the nation most certainly will maximally profit from it.”