The Rivers State Elders Council (RSEC) has appealed to residents and political leaders to embrace peace and unity as the state prepares for the restoration of democratic governance.
Naijaonpoint understands that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are expected to resume their seats on Thursday if President Bola Tinubu does not extend the emergency rule.
This comes after Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday after cutting short his 10-day vacation abroad.
All appears set for the termination of the emergency rule, with the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), already tidying up his handover notes after holding a thanksgiving service on Sunday.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Ferdinand Alabraba, the elders described the end of emergency rule as an opportunity for sober reflection.
The statement read, “This affords us an opportunity to reflect on a number of issues: where we are coming from, what to do to avoid recurrence of the unfortunate circumstances we found ourselves, and significantly, how to sustain peace, unity and development in our beloved Rivers State.”
The council urged stakeholders to embrace reconciliation and warned those still inciting division to cease their actions.
The elders further stated, “We urge all stakeholders, without exception, to embrace the peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state.
“We also admonish the few individuals who are still fanning embers of discord to come to terms with the fact that the crisis is over. They must stop making inflammatory statements, inciting rhetoric in the media, and whipping up sentiments for their selfish interests.”
The elders further stressed that political leaders should prioritise the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without distractions.
“They should prioritise the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without further distractions,” the statement added.