Rivers State governor, Sir Similanayi Fubara has promised to implement the peace proclamation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve the political crisis in the state.
But said he would do so without surrendering his freedom or mortgaging the future of the state.
Fubara said the presidential intervention gaven room for resolution of the political crisis in the state.
The governor, in a statewide broadcast on Christmas Day, said that the proclamation of President Tinubu to resolve the lingering political crisis in the state is not a death sentence as perceived by many.
Fubara, who acknowledged that the directives, had sparked mixed reactions across the state, said he had taken time to study the terms of the pact.
He said: “As a principal participant in the entire saga, I have taken some time to study the terms therein and have come to the conclusion that the peace pact is not as bad as it is being portrayed by those who genuinely opposed to it. It is certainly, not a death sentence. It offers some way towards a lasting peace and stability in our dear State.
“Accordingly, I reaffirm my acceptance of the Presidential Peace Proclamation and my commitment to implementing both the spirit and letters of the declaration in such a way and manner that will restore political stability to our dear State without compromising the collective interest of our people and our cherished and shared democratic values.”
He noted that both parties in the crisis had taken bold steps in the implementation of the proclamation, restating that there was no price too big for peace.
“Already, both parties have demonstrated some good faith in the implementation process with the withdrawal of the purported impeachment notice on their part, and the release of hitherto withheld allowances of the members of the State House of Assembly by the Government.
“I have said before, there is no price too much to pay for peace. And with the realisation that the worst peace is better than the best war, we will strive to make peace with all segments and interest groups without surrendering our freedom nor jeopardizing the interest and well-being of the good people of Rivers State who graciously entrusted us with their cherished mandate.
“I assure you that we will in the face of every challenge always consult widely and confidently tow such part that will best advance and protect the collective interest of our state and people, which is what we have resolved to do in the present circumstances.
“Let me, therefore, crave your kind understanding and call on you to have confidence in the process we are embarking upon to find lasting peace in our State as we are confident that we can achieve stability and progress without endangering the collective interest of our people,” he said.
Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have been at loggerheads over the political affairs of the state.
The matter became worse when 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
But a state high court recognised Fubara’s loyalist, Edison Ehie, as Speaker of the House leading four members. He thereafter declared the seats of 25 defected lawmakers vacant.
Parts of the resolution reached with the President include that pro-Wike Speaker should be recognised and that all the commissioners who resigned should resume their offices.
