Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The Rivers State Elders Council has urged all political stakeholders to embrace peace and unity as democratic governance is restored to the state. The call comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the state of emergency that had been in place for six months.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the council’s chairman, Ferdinand Alabraba, implored individuals and groups “still fanning the embers of discord to desist forthwith.” He stressed that “the crisis is over” and that “Rivers’ interest must come first.”
Praise for Tinubu, Fubara, and Wike
Alabraba commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislature’s leadership for their commitment to working together. He also thanked the people of Rivers State for their patience, which he described as a demonstration of trust in the president’s intervention.
The chairman also singled out former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his “large heart” in helping to broker the reconciliation. According to Alabraba, Wike played a crucial role in bringing the parties together and facilitating a direct briefing to the president.
“Tinubu’s decisive action restored peace in the state and strengthened the people’s confidence in his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Alabraba stated. The elders’ council affirmed its commitment to promoting peace and stability, urging the state’s political leaders to work together for development.
