Fubara throws supporters under the bus, says no price too high to pay for peace
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken sides with Bola Tinubu and thrown his own supporters under the bus, including state elders who said he should not implement the Aso Rock deal with former Governor Nyesom Wike because it was done under threat from the President.
Fubara affirmed his acceptance of the Presidential Peace Proclamation on December 18 hammered out by Tinubu for the resolution of the political crisis in Rivers.
David Briggs – a member of the Rivers Elders’ Forum and former Works Commissioner – who said he attended the resolution meeting at the Villa in Abuja, had insisted Fubara signed the document under threat from Tinubu.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the weekend joined Rivers youths to protest the terms of the peace proclamation in Port Harcourt, arguing it was skewed in favour of Wike.
But Fubara countered in a broadcast on Christmas day and stated his “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.
“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 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.
Fubara said both parties to the conflict have demonstrated some good faith in the implementation process with the withdrawal of the purported impeachment notice on their part, and the release by the government of withheld allowances of members of the state Assembly.
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No price too high to pay for peace
“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 jeopardising the interest and well-being of the good people of Rivers who graciously entrusted us with their cherished mandate,” Fubara added.
“I assure you that we will in the face of every challenge always consult widely and confidently tow such path 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.
“I am proud to say that we have successfully confronted the challenges of governance and have made measurable progress in the last seven months of our administration with various laudable projects and programmes, some completed, some ongoing and others at advanced stages of completion.”
Fubara expressed his gratitude to Tinubu for intervening in the crisis that almost shattered peace in Rivers.
“Indeed, by this singular effort, our dear President has demonstrated that he loves Rivers and cherishes nothing short of a reign of perfect peace in our state with his Presidential Peace Proclamation on the 18th of December 2023.”
He also thanked Riverians for their support and encouragement amid daunting challenges and reaffirmed “our commitment to redeeming our electoral promises. By God’s grace, we are on the path of unstoppable progress and shall meet your expectations within the limits of available resources.”