Tinubu Urged To End Rivers Emergency Rule — Elders Declare Peace Has Returned

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to lift the state of emergency reportedly imposed on Rivers State, following signs of reconciliation between key political figures.

This follows a truce between the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, both of whom recently agreed to work together for the progress of the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the forum’s acting chairman and former deputy governor of the state, Gabriel Toby, said peace has returned to Rivers, and therefore, maintaining an emergency rule is no longer justifiable.

Toby emphasized that the forum hopes the reconciliation agreement aligns with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and upholds the rule of law.

He called on residents to view the peace pact not as a final resolution of all disputes but as the beginning of a fresh, respectful, and cooperative chapter in Rivers politics.

“For clarity, our only commitment has been to protect the integrity, dignity, and soul of Rivers State,” the statement read.
“We seek no political appointments or favours — our concern remains the unity and development of our dear state.”

The forum commended all actors involved in brokering the peace, particularly President Tinubu, for his role in facilitating the reconciliation.