The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum have voiced strong opposition to the presidential intervention in the state’s political crisis, stating that it is fundamentally flawed and disregards legal and constitutional protocols.
Led by former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rufus Ada-George, the forum addressed the perceived discrepancies in the presidential resolution through two distinct open letters delivered to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara on December 24, 2023.
Expressing their disapproval of the presidential directive, the elders highlighted the one-sided nature of the resolution, indicating it favored Minister Nyesom Wike over Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the collective interests of the Rivers people.
“For us, as custodians of the Rivers people’s conscience and morality, we find the directive resolution document lopsided and skewed in favour of the interest of your current minister, Nyesom Wike, to the detriment of the Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, the governance of the state and the interest of the generality of the good people of Rivers State.”
The elders criticized the composition of the meeting, asserting a lack of representation for factions recognized by a competent court.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining the separation of powers and questioned the president’s authority to overrule a court decision.
“Peace can only be practised in a germane, truthful and just society. In this case, the environment in which the peace was brokered showed no sensitivity to the people’s security, political and social interest.”
Furthermore, the elders lauded Fubara’s sincerity in his Christmas Day address to the people but contested the viability of implementing the Presidential Peace Proclamation, labeling it a ‘death sentence’ that undermines constitutional rights.
“Mr. Governor Sir, you stated categorically that you are a principal participant in the entire saga and the Presidential Peace Proclamation is not as bad as being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it.
“That proclamation is actually a death sentence as it breaches all legal and constitutional rights you swore to uphold,” the forum warned.
They urged caution, emphasizing that the resolution unfairly favored Wike, jeopardizing the governor’s position and the welfare of the state’s inhabitants.
In response to Governor Fubara’s willingness to uphold the proclamation, the forum criticized his stance, asserting he lacked the legal authority to execute the directive.
They highlighted the need for a fair, lawful, and just approach to maintaining peace in the state.
The elders emphasized the imperative for an equitable and lawful resolution to safeguard the interests of the people and the state’s political landscape.
