Elders Of Rivers Express Disapproval Of Fubara’s Handling Of Peace Accord

Elders Of Rivers Express Disapproval Of Fubara’s Handling Of Peace Accord

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELF) have contradicted Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s assertion that the Presidential Peace Proclamation (PPP) is not a death sentence. In his Christmas Day broadcast, Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to implementing the eight-point peace agreement with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, emphasizing that the pact aimed to restore peace in the state….CONTINUE READING

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However, in an open letter dated December 26, 2023, addressed to the governor, the Forum expressed its disagreement, deeming the PPP a death sentence that violates the constitutional rights sworn by the governor. The letter, titled “Peace in Galilee?” and signed by prominent Rivers indigenes, including former governor Rufus Ada-George and former deputy governor Gabriel Toby, emphasized the absence of genuine peace in the agreement.

The Forum commended Governor Fubara’s humility but insisted that the so-called “Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation” did not reflect a truthful and just society. They argued that the environment in which the peace was brokered lacked sensitivity to the people’s security, political, and social interests.

Governor Fubara’s acknowledgment of mixed reactions to the PPP was appreciated by the Forum, but they maintained that the proclamation was a breach of legal and constitutional rights. The elders cautioned against placing too much trust in detractors and urged the governor to be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Highlighting historical examples, the Forum drew parallels to the Arab-Israel wars and cautioned that peace agreements, like the one in Galilee, might not stand the test of time. They asserted that Fubara had no constitutional or legal authority to implement the Presidential Peace Proclamation.

The elders advised the governor to exercise circumspection, measured engagement, and critical review of events for lasting peace in Port Harcourt and Rivers State. Meanwhile, the Forum had earlier criticized the peace pact in a letter to President Bola Tinubu, asserting that it favored Nyesom Wike over Governor Fubara and deemed the PPP as impractical since the meeting never occurred.

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