The political turbulence in Rivers State appears to have subsided as the political gladiators involved in the crisis reached a consensus on Monday night after intensive discussions.
This resolution came after approximately three hours of deliberations at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, involving President Bola Tinubu, Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Ngozi Odu, former governor Peter Odili, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike, and various other stakeholders.
Wike, instrumental in the emergence of Fubara and other elected officials in the last general elections, arrived at the State House around 7 pm, entering the President’s office where the discussions unfolded.
Also present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
An eight-point resolution was agreed upon at the conclusion of Monday night’s meeting, with the President directing the immediate withdrawal of all lawsuits initiated by Fubara and his team regarding the Rivers State political crisis.
This joint resolution was signed by key figures including Fubara, his deputy, Ordu, Wike, Ribadu, factional Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly Martin Amaewhule, Peoples Democratic Party Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, and All Progressives Congress Chairman Tony Okocha.
The outlined directives mandate Fubara to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill initially submitted to the four-member state House of Assembly to the full House.
Additionally, all ongoing impeachment proceedings against Fubara at the Assembly are required to cease immediately.
Key points from the resolution encompass the withdrawal of court cases, recognition of the State Assembly’s leadership, restoration of Assembly members’ remunerations and benefits, freedom for the Assembly to choose its meeting venue, and the re-submission of resigned commissioners’ names for House approval.
The resolution also dismisses the imposition of caretaker committees for local governments in Rivers State, declaring the dissolution of the local government administration null and void.
The political upheaval in Rivers State escalated to the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex, previously burnt, while security forces reportedly barricaded the entrance during the crisis.
