The Rivers State Elders Council has called for unity and cooperation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly as normal governance resumes following the lifting of emergency rule.
The elders emphasized that the return to constitutional order offers a vital opportunity for reflection, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to peace and development in the oil-rich state.
They noted that lessons should have been learned from the recent political crisis that prompted President Bola Tinubu to impose emergency measures.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the council urged stakeholders to put the past behind them, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and work together to prevent a recurrence of instability.
The elders also appealed to individuals and groups still harbouring grievances to prioritize the state’s interests over personal ambitions.
The council commended Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, for embracing reconciliation and agreeing to resume their constitutional responsibilities in harmony.
The statement also praised the patience of Rivers people during the period of uncertainty, describing it as proof of their faith in democratic governance.
Special recognition was given to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for his pivotal role in brokering peace and guiding the reconciliation process.
The elders also lauded President Tinubu for what they described as proactive leadership that prevented further escalation and restored calm in the state.
The council reaffirmed that the reconciliation reached in Abuja and endorsed before the President must remain binding, insisting that the governor and lawmakers now have a responsibility to work in harmony for the good of Rivers State.
With democratic governance restored, the elders urged all stakeholders to sustain unity, consolidate peace, and focus on delivering progress to the people of the state.
