Rivers: Awaiting The Return Of All  Institutions Of Democracy

• Tinubu shots the gate of disagreement, opens the door to peace

By PHC Telegraph

 

As the clock ticks minute after minute, and millions of Rivers people and non indigenes wait in anticipation, there are very strong indications that Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly who have been on suspension following the declaration of emergency rule will be returning any moment from now.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Thursday night met with the parties to the Rivers crisis to seal the peace deal and set the agenda for a new beginning.

The terms of understanding are not yet known, but going forward, leaders of elected democratic institutions in the oil-rich State would henceforth work together while the major gladiators have agreed to bury the hatchet.

Across Nigeria and across Rivers State, many are heaving sighs of relief as news of the President’s intervention spreads.

At last, what looks like a sad chapter in the history of the Rivers people is about to close.

In its place a new era of renewed hope built on forgiveness, understanding and broad based cooperation is to take centre stage.‎

Behind the scene, talks were reportedly going on as the conversations and the mood of those who were engaged in them became increasingly intentional.

Given the intricate nature of peace building anywhere in the world, there may have been core issues which needed to be properly streamlined; rough edges that required to be trimmed; and few stumbling blocks to overcome.

What is clear, seen against the backdrop of the President’s intervention, is the fact that the normalisation of the relationship between the executive and legislative arms which will ensure that the State’s democratic institutions work together in the interest of the entire Rivers people and the country has been achieved.

Details of the conversations that took place between both sides in the presence of President Tinubu are not however in the public domain.

Prior to the President’s invitation to the parties in conflict to appear before him, a hush had fallen among the supporters of the major gladiators, suggesting that the fiery rhetoric and the inflammatory comments which had helped to raise tension and anxiety were giving way to understanding.

A well placed source told this medium, “All the obstacles have been removed. Peace has been attained at this point.

“In fact, there was a growing consensus even before Tinubu intervened that peace offers the best way forward in the overall interest of Rivers State and its people.

“The President deserves commendation in all of this. He actually played the role of the father of the nation.”

Feelers being received indicate that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara who recently met before Thursday’s directive  from the Presidency came through have been working together to bridge the gap.

Wike, some observers have noted deserves a massive pat on the back for his statesmanship. His decision to let go has impressed so many Rivers elders and other elder statesmen across the nation who patiently worked and prayed for a breakthrough.

Fubara who has all along set his eyes on the peaceful resolution of the conflict, some other observers note, qualifies to be acknowledged for his comportment and his faith in the process.

Speaking on the occasion of the two-year anniversary of his young administration, Fubara remarked, “Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first.”

Since March 18 when a state of emergency was declared, there has been a remarkable downturn in governmental activity.

The situation has impacted significantly on the Rivers economy, thus leading to a decline in economic and developmental activities and calls for the restoration of democratic institutions.

Now, the stage is set. Nobody is sure when the President would lift the state of emergency.

It is certain that the Ibas administration would be given time to wind down and almost certain that the President may have to brief leaders of the National Assembly on the situation.

Recall that the National Assembly was involved in the approval of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Nonetheless, looking at the unfolding scenario, there would be no victor and no vanquished.

“There will only be winners. The winners are those who actively believe in the Rivers project and its sustainability”, a senior lawyer, name withheld, remarked in Port Harcourt.