After weeks of dramatic jerrymandering in Rivers State, the political gladiators in the oil-rich South-South state Monday reached an accord after a meeting with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa, Abuja.
The meeting had Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former Governors of Rivers State, Peter Odili and Nyesom Wike as well as some traditional rulers from the state.
The state has been embroiled in a political crisis, following sharp disagreements between Fubara and his political godfather, Wike.
The crisis led to impeachment moves against the governor and the defection of 27 members of State House of Assembly from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The crisis also witnessed the demolition of the Assembly complex, an impeachment plot against the governor, resignation of pro-Wike commissioners, passage of the State Budget and temergence of parallel sittings of the House of Assembly.
However, after Monday’s meeting, the warring parties agreed that all matters instituted in the courts by Fubara, and his team, be withdrawn immediately.
Fubara, Wike, Amaewhule and other gladiators in the crisis signed the agreement.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also signed the document.
Key Points of the Resolution:
1. Governor Fubara and his allies will withdraw all court cases related to the crisis.
2. The State House of Assembly will drop impeachment proceedings initiated against Fubara.
3. The leadership of the House, under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, a Wike loyalist, will be recognized, along with the 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP.
4. Governor Fubara will re-present the 2024 budget to the Amaewhule-led Assembly.
5. Salaries and benefits for all Assembly members and staff will be restored
6. The Assembly will have autonomy to choose its location and conduct business without interference from the Executive
7. The Governor will resubmit the names of resigned commissioners for approval
8. The dissolution of local governments is declared null and void.
This resolution marks a significant step towards de-escalating the tension in Rivers State, which sevwral political pundits have described as the worst form of ambush against Gov. Fubara.
It is expected that the willingness of the factions to compromise and keep to the letters of the agreement is critical for the restoration of normalcy and stability in the state.
