As the emergency rule in Rivers State ends on September 18, the Rivers State Elders Council has called on all stakeholders to sustain peace and unity in the state.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, the Council commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the leadership of the House of Assembly for their reconciliation efforts, urging them to continue working harmoniously in the interest of the state.

The council stressed that peace and reconciliation are critical to Rivers State’s progress and development and urged individuals and groups to desist from inflammatory statements that could reignite tension.
“As the end of the emergency rule in our dear state beckons and full democratic governance resumes, this affords us an opportunity to reflect on where we are coming from, how to prevent a recurrence of the unfortunate crisis, and how to sustain peace, unity, and development in Rivers State,” the statement read.

The council reminded the Governor and the Assembly leadership of their vow to work together, made before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a sacred commitment.
“We can only remind them that they did not only agree on peace in Abuja but also, on their own, went to the Villa and affirmed their reconciliation before His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. That vow remains sacrosanct. Therefore, they must work harmoniously in the interest of the state. The people of Rivers State expect nothing less,” it stated.

The council also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his timely intervention in resolving the political crisis, noting that it brought relief and restored hope to the people.

They further commended the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for playing a key role in facilitating reconciliation and stabilizing the state’s political atmosphere.