Anti-Peace Campaigners Fail To Pocket Rivers Governor
● Sim walks lonely path that leads to peace;
● Proves to skeptics that peace is priceless;
● Re-establishes contact with lawmakers after months of disagreements
By PHC Telegraph
Governor Siminalayi Fubara forwards the names of commissioners who resigned from his administration back to the Rivers State House of Assembly as a gesture of peace.
Contrary to the expectations of anti-peace campaigners who are vehemently opposed to the complete implementation of the peace agreement, the Rivers House of Assembly will today, Wednesday 17th January, 2024 commence the re-screening of pro-Wike commissioners who deserted the Fubara administration in the heat of the political unrest which rocked the State last year.
They are Zacchaeus Adangor, Jacobson Mbina, Gift Worlu, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo- Aguma, and Chukwuemeka Woke. Others are Prince Chinedu Mmom, George-Kelly D. Alabo, Isaac Kamalu and Austin Ben Chioma.
The nine of them would be required to be seated at the Assembly on or before 10am Wednesday morning for the screening.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule to preside over the screening of nine commissioner sent to the State House of Assembly
While undergoing screening, the nominees would be expected to present photocopies of their certificates as well as other relevant qualifications.
The decision by Fubara to forward their names to the Assembly for approval is in compliance with the understanding that was eventually reached in Abuja during the peace talks hosted by President Bola Tinubu.
After releasing funds meant for the Assembly and recognizing the leadership of Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara’s resubmission of the names of the nine commissioners marks another milestone towards the re-establishment of a robust relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Recall that the re-presentation of the names of the commissioners and the State budget by the State Governor, were two serious components of the peace deal.
Not surprisingly, the inclusion of this two items in the peace deal comtinued to generate mixed reactions until Governor Fubara took the bull by the horns early this week.
While anti-peace campaigners claiming to be ‘right-hand’ supporters of the Governor voiced their opposition to the restoration of the commissioners, moderate elements worried by the hostility of the past few months insisted that the State will benefit more from the existence of a more stable and peaceful atmosphere.
Similarly, those who opposed to the re-nomination of the commissioners and the implementation of the peace accord had argued that the State Governor did not force them to resign and wondered why Fubara would be made to recall them.
Others however think that an atmosphere of relative peace is gradually returning to the State. They argue that peace can only become sustainable if every clause contained in the said agreement is fully implemented.
This class of people think it could also turn into a win-win situation for everybody in Rivers State, if the political gladiators were to calm down and make sure that the process is completed.
All that appears to be in the past now. What matters is that the Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday disclosed that it has set aside Wednesday as the day for the screening of nine commissioners.
It was proof, especially to skeptics and non lovers of the peace negotiations who very much wanted a stalemate that peace is priceless.
More than that, it showed that Fubara was not paying lip service to, or joking with, his commitment to the peace process in the overall interest of the Rivers people.
For Rivers people who heard Wike say last week at Omoku that members of his team have met all of the conditions prescribed under the peace agreement, Fubara’s decision to resubmit the names of the commissioners showed he and his support base are willing to give peace a chance.
what is now left, the Telegraph reports, is the re-presentation of the 2024. budget before the House of Assembly.
All things being equal, well placed sources hinted as at press time, this is most likely to be achieved, thus removing all obstacles which may in the short run endanger understanding.
“Everyone got something out of the peace deal”, an analyst told this publication, “Fubara who may not have a reason to look behind him now that the fight is near over has absolute control of his administration going forward. This should make his key supporters happy.
“The autonomy and independence of the legislature got re-enforced. I believe this would be good for the growth of democracy and the strengthening of its institutions.
“Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, got what he truly wanted – the opportunity to protect his political structure and a chance to prove to those who may have any doubts that the structure actually exists.
“Tinubu put his name on record as a consumate peacemaker, a pragmatic leader and a friend of the Rivers State.
“And the Rivers people realised their expectations. They wanted peace, not instability; they wanted understanding and not war chants; reconciliation and not bitterness and acrimony. They got it too”, the analyst explained.