The Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said that he will implement the peace pact brokered by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the President intervened in the festering crisis between Mr Fubara and his political godfather, ex-governor Nyesom Wike, which made 27 state lawmakers loyal to the latter to defect to the All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party.
The governor who made this known in a statewide broadcast on the occasion of the 2023 Christmas celebration, noted that the pact offers some way towards a lasting peace and stability in the State.
His words; ”Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation has naturally elicited mixed reactions from our people and across the country. While most stakeholders have violently condemned it, a few others have applauded It.
” As a principal participant in the entire saga, I have taken some time to study the terms therein and have come to the conclusion that the Peace Pact is not as bad as it is being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it. It is certainly, not a death sentence. It offers some way towards a lasting peace and stability in our dear State.
”Accordingly, I reaffirm my acceptance of the Presidential Peace Proclamation and my commitment to implementing both the spirit and letters of the declaration in such a way and manner that will restore political stability to our dear State without compromising the collective interest of our people and our cherished and shared democratic values.
” Already, both parties have demonstrated some good faith in the implementation process with the withdrawal of the purported impeachment notice on their part, and the release of hitherto withheld allowances of the members of the State House of Assembly by the Government.
” I have said before, there is no price too much to pay for peace. And with the realization that the worst peace is better than the best war, we will strive to make peace with all segments and interest groups without surrendering our freedom nor jeopardizing the interest and well-being of the good people of Rivers State who graciously entrusted us with their cherished mandate.
” I assure you that we will in the face of every challenge always consult widely and confidently tow such part that will best advance and protect the collective interest of our State and people, which is what we have resolved to do in the present circumstances.
” Let me, therefore, crave your kind understanding and call on you to have confidence in the process we are embarking upon to find lasting peace in our State as we are confident that we can achieve stability and progress without endangering the collective interest of our people”.
