The Rivers State Elders Council (RSEC) has called on residents and political leaders to foster peace and unity as the state approaches the restoration of democratic governance.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alongside his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu and members of the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are expected to resume their duties on Thursday, pending any extension of the emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu.
This development follows President Tinubu’s return to Nigeria on Tuesday after a 10-day vacation abroad. Preparations for the end of the emergency rule are underway, with Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) finalizing his handover notes after a thanksgiving service held on Sunday.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Ferdinand Alabraba, the Elders Council emphasized that the conclusion of the emergency rule presents an opportunity for reflection. The statement noted, “This affords us an opportunity to reflect on a number of issues: where we are coming from, what to do to avoid recurrence of the unfortunate circumstances we found ourselves, and significantly, how to sustain peace, unity and development in our beloved Rivers State.”
The council urged all stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and cautioned against actions that incite division. They stated, “We urge all stakeholders, without exception, to embrace the peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state. We also admonish the few individuals who are still fanning embers of discord to come to terms with the fact that the crisis is over. They must stop making inflammatory statements, inciting rhetoric in the media, and whipping up sentiments for their selfish interests.”
Furthermore, the elders stressed the importance of political leaders prioritizing the state’s interests and allowing Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to collaborate without distractions. “They should prioritise the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without further distractions,” the statement concluded.
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