.Era of ‘strong men’ gone in Rivers – Elders Forum

History played out in Rivers State yesterday as the nine Commissioners who resigned their appointments in the hit of the crisis between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, were re-sworn in.

This was even as the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELEF), yesterday, applauded the Supreme Court judgment affirming Fubara as the winner of the March 18, 2023, governorship election in the state, noting that the judgment has ended an era of ‘strong men’ and entrenched the rule of law in the state.

The returnee commissioners, all loyalists to Wike, resigned their appointments during the political crisis that engulfed the state.

Political observers said the returnee commissioners resigned based on the directive of their master (Wike) and have been returned by the same person.

However, while swearing in the commissioners, Fubara said:  “I can see how heavy your hearts are. But I assure you that I don’t have anything against any of you. You were caught in between during the crossfire.”

Recall that while the crisis between Wike and Fubara raged, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu summoned a peace meeting where an eight-point resolution was signed in an attempt to end the crisis.

Some of the terms of the peace accord, which different groups including lawyers have criticised, were the recalling of the commissioners and recognising the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly as the authentic Assembly.
Few days after the peace deal was signed, Fubara stated that implementing it was  not “a death sentence”, promising  to implement all even though the Rivers Elders Forum had  filed a case in court challenging the peace accord for being “one sided” in favour of Wike.

Speaking further during the swearing in event, Fubara said it was imperative for the commissioners to engage in activities for which they would be positively remembered by posterity. He also enjoined them to uphold and defend the state’s constitution.

“I wish you well in your coming back. Stand for justice and stand for the interests of our dear state. That is the purpose of your appointment and that is the truth.
“I will advise that you give your best. Like I said the first time, let this state and posterity remember you for what is good,” he added.

Reacting to the development, some residents said the crisis was not over yet, alleging that the commissioners returned to team up with the 26 defected lawmakers loyal to Wike to frustrate the administration of Fubara.

A resident, Emmanuel Okoye, said: “It is unfortunate the commissioners have licked their vomit, but the governor needs to be very careful because they are on a mission.”

Another resident, Austin Oko-Jaja, said reabsorbing the commissioners was a clear indication that Fubara was ready for peace.

“The governor to recall the commissioners was a big mistake because they will work against him but this is an indication that the governor wants peace,” he said.

The RELEF, who described the verdict of the Supreme Court as a no victor, no vanquished, congratulated the governor, urging him to strictly follow the dictates of the constitution and always fear God.

The group spoke via a communique signed by 10 prominent sons of the state led by former governor Rufus Ada-George after an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday.

Ada-George, who congratulated both the governor and Rivers people over the judgment, emphasised that it was consistent with the laws of the country and the Rule of Law.

He called on every party to obey the court judgment, even as he urged Fubara to concentrate on governance.