Rivers Elders Seek Full Restoration of Democracy, Hail Wike-Fubara Reconciliation
Prominent elders and leaders in Rivers State have called on the Federal Government to ensure the full restoration of democratic institutions in the state, following the reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The elders, under the auspices of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, made their position known during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. Led by former Deputy Governor Dr. Gabriel Toby, the group expressed satisfaction with the recent peace accord between the two political figures but insisted that reconciliation must be accompanied by a complete reinstatement of democratic structures.
Dr. Toby commended President Bola Tinubu for facilitating the truce, describing it as a commendable step toward restoring stability in the state. However, he emphasized that the months-long crisis, which saw the suspension of pro-Wike lawmakers, the demolition of the state assembly complex, and a breakdown in governance, had inflicted deep wounds on the democratic process.
“We are pleased with the reconciliation, but it must be matched with the restoration of constitutional order,” Dr. Toby said. “The Rivers State House of Assembly must be allowed to function independently, and all suspended lawmakers should be reinstated. True peace cannot thrive without justice and the rule of law.”
The elders called on President Tinubu to take further steps to ensure that no emergency structures or political arrangements continue to impede the smooth functioning of the state government. They urged for the return of normal legislative activities and constitutional governance.
In their remarks, the forum also stressed the importance of involving a broader range of stakeholders in the peace process, including traditional leaders, civil society groups, and youth organizations, to ensure that the reconciliation is sustainable and inclusive.
Their position aligns with statements from the Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), which also welcomed the peace efforts but urged the full reactivation of democratic governance in the state. The NYCN said the reconciliation would remain incomplete if democratic institutions were not allowed to operate freely.
Several civic and women’s groups have also celebrated the development. The Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS) held a thanksgiving ceremony to mark the occasion and expressed optimism that the renewed cooperation between Fubara and Wike would bring unity and progress to the state.
Despite the optimistic outlook, some political observers have voiced caution. Former Ijaw Youth Council president Udengs Eradiri recently warned that symbolic gestures alone would not resolve the state’s political crisis and called for transparency and inclusiveness in the process.
The Rivers Elders reiterated their commitment to advocating for peace and constitutional order, pledging to continue their engagement with relevant authorities until democratic governance is fully restored in the state.
