From Tony John, Port Harcourt

There is excitement in the people of Rivers State as they expect the restoration of a fully democratic process with the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu and 27 members of the House of Assembly.

Speaking on this sidelines, Rivers State Elders Council has appealed to the citizens that, as the state of emergency has come to an end, they should unite for the peace and progress of the state.

The council in a statement signed by its chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, the period affords Rivers people an opportunity to reflect on a number of issues affecting the state.

The group stated: “As the end of the emergency rule in our dear State beckons, and restoration of full democratic governance ushers in Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule, to resume their constitutional duties, this affords us an opportunity to reflect on a number of issues: Where we are coming from, what to do to avoid the reoccurrence of the unfortunate circumstances we found ourselves and significantly, how to sustain peace, unity and development in our beloved Rivers State.”

The group said, as leaders and members of the Rivers State Elders Council, the appeal is for all parties involved in what led to the declaration of the state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu to embrace genuine reconciliation.

Alabraba appealed: “We urge all stakeholders, without exception, to embrace the peace and reconciliation that has now returned to our dear state.

“We also quickly wish to admonish the few individuals and groups who are still fanning the embers of discord to come to terms with the fact that the crisis is over and stop making inflammatory statements, inciting rhetoric in the media and whipping up sentiments for their selfish interests. They should prioritize the interest of the state and allow Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly to work together without further distractions.

“We equally commend the Governor and the Leadership of the House of Assembly for making peace. At this point, we can only remind them that they did not only agree on peace in Abuja, but also, on their own, went to the Villa and affirmed their reconciliation before His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“That vow before Mr. President remains sacrosanct. Therefore, going forward, they must work harmoniously in the interest of the state. The people of Rivers State expect nothing less from them.

“We use this opportunity to salute the good people of Rivers State for their patience and understanding throughout the period of the emergency rule. It is an attestation of faith in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose proactive action averted the disaster that was about to descend on the state.

“The indefatigable political leader of Rivers State, the former Governor of the State and Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, deserves a special mention for his role in mid-wifing the entire reconciliation process. Again, he demonstrated that he was a man with a large heart. He did not only bring the parties together, but also ensured that the parties went to Mr. President to brief him first hand on the details of their understanding.

“And to our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we say a very big thank you for bringing Rivers State back from the brink and taking actions to ensure the peace that we now enjoy in the State.

“We thank you once again for the confidence reposed in our son, brother, associate, and cherished leader as a member of your cabinet. Your astute resolution of the Rivers crisis is yet another manifestation of your goodwill towards the state.

“Mr President, we appreciate you and assure you that you have already captured the hearts of the people of Rivers State and as your administration continues to pursue the Renewed Hope Agenda, you can count on the support of Rivers people at all times”, the Council expressed.

Also, the National Leader of South-South Chief and Elders, High Chief Omubo Harry, has said Rivers people are excited to see their governor reinstated.

The elder statesman lamented that the state had suffered a lot, especially during the period of emergency rule.

He called on all the citizens and residents to come together and work for the progress and development of the state, eschewing tendencies capable of truncating the fragile peace.

Similarly, Mr. Opunabo Inko-Tariah, former Special Adviser to the then governor, Nyesom Wike, has expressed that, “Rivers State and the people are marinated in joy – eagerly awaiting the return of governor Fubara.

Inko-Tariah, a civil rights advocate, noted the governor’s policies, projects and programmes are people-centric, having been seared in the flame of emergency rule.

He said: “Rivers people cannot wait for the rebirth of spring with the reinstatement of Governor Fubara having walked through the metallic hell of road of dictatorship.

“It has been six months of painful laughter and retrogression and we cannot wait for our governor, who will hew out of this mountain of despair, a stone of hope for the state!”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a strong ally of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka, said: “Let me state further that the coming back of Fubara come 18th September depends on which of the Fubara is coming back.”

He asked: “Is the Fubara stripped of all his powers as a Governor or is it the Fubara that is coming to reclaim his powers as the duly elected Governor of Rivers State?

“Assuming that the Fubara that will come in by tomorrow is the Fubara that is stripped off his powers to govern the State accordingly as an executive Governor, who will be handed over the lost of his commissioners, aides and how to run the State by approving contracts he will execute, then the State and her people will not be expecting much from him as that will be the third term of Nyesom Wike as the governor of Rivers State where looting and misgovernance will be the order of the day

“But, if the Fubara that will be coming in is the Fubara who knows that he is the duly elected Governor of Rivers State and have the power of governance, then, the people of Rivers State can rejoice of further progress of the State.”

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Rivers State, which still claims authenticity, said the return of governor Fubara would be commendable one.

Spokesperson for the party, Mr. Darlington Nwauju, said Fubara should on his return, take a step of faith by joining the APC.

He said the governor should fastrack development of the state; pay special attention to all projects hitherto abandoned across the state and ensure the state’s free education policy is re-introduced.