Fubara Signs Agreement, Commits to Peace
Parties Commence Moves to End Crisis
To resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has agreed to implement the agreements made by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. The governor signed a document containing eight resolutions between the warring factions in the state, according to the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Joseph Johnson.
Withdrawal of Impeachment Notice
The group of 27 lawmakers who switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have also withdrawn their impeachment notice against Governor Fubara. However, they faced obstacles in withdrawing Fubara’s court order as the state government’s counsel stated that he did not have the instructions to do so.
Implementation of Agreements
The dropping of impeachment proceedings and withdrawal of cases against the G27 were part of the eight-point agreements reached in Abuja. Governor Fubara’s commitment to the peace process was emphasized by Information Commissioner Joseph Johnson, who assured that the governor would take action to solidify peace in the state.
Mixed Reactions to Peace Deal
While the government and G27 lawmakers supported the peace deal, the Ijaw Youth Council, along with eight Niger Delta groups, rejected the Tinubu peace agreement, calling it invalid and an attack on democracy.
Christmas Bonus Excitement
In a surprising turn of events, Governor Fubara’s approval of a N100,000 Christmas bonus for workers received positive reactions from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Rivers State workers. They expressed gratitude and prayed against any plots against the governor.
Rescinding Impeachment Notice by G27
As part of the peace efforts, the G27 legislators withdrew the impeachment notice against Governor Fubara, citing respect for the resolution brokered by President Tinubu. However, the Commissioner for Information and Communications stated that the state government was not aware of this development, adding uncertainty to the situation.
Drama in Court
There was a mild drama at the Rivers State High Court as the G27 lawmakers attempted to withdraw motions filed against them by Governor Fubara. The court directed the claimant’s counsel to consult his client regarding the withdrawal, leading to an adjournment to January 31, 2024, for a report of alternative settlement.
Senators’ Concerns and Ijaw Youths’ Critique
Senators from the PDP expressed concerns over the political deadlock in Rivers State, warning that it posed a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Meanwhile, Ijaw youths criticized Tinubu’s peace deal, calling it an attack on democracy and accusing it of displaying open hatred for the Ijaw people.
Niger Delta Groups Disapprove of Eight-Point Agreement
Niger Delta groups and other organizations across the country criticized the eight-point agreement, denouncing it as dictatorial and insisting that the president had no right to interfere in the internal affairs of an opposition party or give orders to a state governor.
NLCS’s Spiritual Response
The Nigeria Labour Congress responded to the political turmoil by turning to prayer, praying against any evil plots against Governor Fubara. This spiritual response followed the governor’s approval of a N100,000 Christmas bonus for civil servants in the state.
As the situation continues to unfold, Rivers State remains at the center of political attention, with stakeholders expressing a range of opinions on the recent developments.
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