The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum have voiced their apprehensions about the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu to address the political unrest in Rivers State.
The forum, in a statement released on Wednesday, emphasized that the accord, signed at the presidential villa in Abuja, lacks consideration for the people’s security, political, and social interests.
Former governor Rufus Ada George, speaking on behalf of the forum in Port Harcourt, conveyed their concerns through an open letter to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He asserted that the peace accord, as per their perspective, resembles a “death sentence” and cautioned the governor to adhere to the constitutional principles in his pursuit of restoring peace.
The elders highlighted their belief that sustainable peace in Port Harcourt and the entire Rivers State can be achieved if Governor Fubara exercises caution, engages thoughtfully, and critically reviews unfolding events. They unequivocally stated that the governor lacks constitutional or legal authority to implement Tinubu’s peace accord, emphasizing the need for adherence to the constitution.
Responding to inquiries about the governor’s response to their previous comments, George said:
“We are not acting for or on behalf of the governor. We are acting as individuals or group of residents and indigenes of Rivers State and we are acting in accordance with the law, the constitution.
“We don’t need to wait for advice or to listen to information or a piece of written messages. We act based on what we know and perceive to be factual. And we know that an agreement or proclamation was written which was not in the best interest of Rivers people and we are acting on that.
“The governor may be taking his actions unknown to us; we don’t know; we have not exchanged any direct correspondence in relation to this issue or proclamation. We are acting in the interest of the Rivers people.”