From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
Elders of Rivers State under the platform of Rivers Elders Council have called on all stakeholders in the state to embrace what they described as the peace and reconciliation that has returned to the state.
The group in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by its Chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, admonished individuals and groups who are still fanning the embers of discord to come to terms with the fact that the crisis is over and stop making inflammatory statements, inciting rhetoric in the media and whipping up sentiments for their selfish interests.
He called on them to prioritize the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without further distractions and commended the governor Fubara and the Leadership of the House of Assembly for making peace.
” At this point, 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, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. That vow before Mr. President remains sacrosanct. Therefore, going forward, they must work harmoniously in the interest of the state. The people of Rivers State expect nothing less from them.
“We use this opportunity to salute the good people of Rivers State for their patience and understanding throughout the period of the emergency rule. It is an attestation of faith in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose proactive action averted the disaster that was about to descend on the state.
“The indefatigable political leader of Rivers State, the former Governor of the State and Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, deserves a special mention for his role in mid-wifing the entire reconciliation process. Again, he demonstrated that he was a man with a large heart. He did not only bring the parties together but also ensured that the parties went to Mr. President to brief him first hand on the details of their understanding.
“And to our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we say a very big thank you for bringing Rivers State back from the brink and taking actions to ensure the peace that we now enjoy in the State.
” We thank you once again for the confidence reposed in our son, brother, associate, and cherished leader as a member of your cabinet. Your astute resolution of the Rivers crisis is yet another manifestation of your goodwill towards the state,” Alabraba pointed out in the statement.
He assured President Tinubu that he has already captured the hearts of the people of Rivers State and should count on the support of Rivers people at all times.
