The forum reviewed the outcome of its previous meetings and follow-up actions which included letters seeking an audience with Fubara and Wike.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike to embrace peace.
Both men have been in a running battle for supremacy, leading to a political crisis in the state.
Rivers elders, however, met on December 17 in Port Harcourt under the leadership of the former governor Rufus Ada George.
The forum reviewed the outcome of its previous meetings and follow-up actions which included letters seeking an audience with Fubara and Wike.
The forum released a communique at the end of the meeting showing resolutions taken. The communique signed by George and 17 others reads, “The Forum regretted that neither Governor Siminialayi Fubara nor Chief (Barrister) Nyesom Wike responded to our letters seeking for audience with each of them.
“The attempt to impeach the Governor of Rivers State barely about six months in office without explaining to the good people of the State, the reasons and infractions of law is UNACCEPTABLE.
“The Forum condemn every form of violence and lawlessness in Rivers State and therefore demand proper investigation of the crisis and those responsible be brought to Justice.
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“The Forum reviewed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State Government and urged the Government to expedite action on rebuilding the demolished House of Assembly Complex so that lawmakers will continue their legislative business in the permanent site within the shortest possible time.
“The Forum condemn in its entirety, the misuse of Rivers people’s political power vested in politicians for personal gains and interest. Hence, we condemn in its entirety, the recent defection of twenty-seven lawmakers without recourse to their constituents.
“The Forum is aware of and thus rejects, the news making the rounds on social media of Forum Shopping And Purchase Of Legal Instruments outside Rivers State to cause crisis in the State, thereby endangering human lives and property.
“We therefore urge the judiciary and all security agencies to be wary and alive in discharging their responsibilities in order not to worsen the already tense atmosphere in Rivers State.
“Finally, the Forum urge His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to consolidate on his earlier intervention as the consequences of inaction may not only affect Rivers State, the Niger Delta Region and the Federal Government. The Forum owes this solemn truth as a duty to the Federal Government.”
On Monday, after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Wike and Fubara signed an eight-point peace pact to end all hostilities.