Just days after a fragile peace deal was struck between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescind the state of emergency declared in the state.
The plea was made public in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday by the Forum’s acting chairman and former Deputy Governor, Dr. Gabriel Toby. The group commended the President for playing a pivotal role in facilitating the reconciliation between the two key political figures whose rift had polarized the state.
“To this end, we request that, since peace and reconciliation have been achieved, it is our considered advice that the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State be lifted, and all suspended democratic structures fully restored,” the Forum’s statement read. “The will of Rivers people should be respected, and the institutions of democratic governance must be allowed to function freely and transparently.”
The Forum applauded both Fubara and Wike for choosing dialogue over conflict, noting that their decision to de-escalate tensions would help heal wounds and restore normalcy.
Reflecting on the recent impasse involving the governor, the FCT Minister, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, the elders described it as a distressing period that stalled development and created divisions among the people.
“We have watched over the past few months the painful divisions and political tensions that pitched two of our sons—Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike and His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara—against each other,” the statement noted. “It was a sad development that wounded the soul of our dear state and cast an undeserved shadow on our collective unity, progress, and prosperity.”
The Forum said while the full details of the reconciliation terms remain undisclosed, they are optimistic that any resolution reached would be in line with the 1999 Constitution and anchored on the rule of law.
“For the record, we reaffirm that our only interest has always been to safeguard the image, soul, and dignity of Rivers State. We seek no personal gain or political reward—only the unity and progress of our state,” said Dr. Toby.
Calling on political stakeholders across party lines, the elders urged all citizens to embrace the renewed atmosphere of calm as an opportunity to rebuild trust and recommit to the state’s collective future.
“We urge everyone in Rivers State to seize this moment of reconciliation not as the end of disagreements, but as the beginning of a new chapter—marked by mutual respect, collective responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the peace, progress, and unity of our dear state,” the Forum concluded.
