Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced his acceptance of the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu to settle the long-standing political crisis in the state.
The crisis arose from a conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Fubara made it clear that he has embraced the peace agreement in a state-wide address to commemorate the 2023 Christmas celebration.
He acknowledged that the presidential intervention has created an opportunity to resolve the political dispute in the state.
Despite the mixed reactions it has generated, Fubara stated that he has thoroughly examined the terms of the agreement and concluded that it is not as negative as it has been portrayed.
He said: “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 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.”
He noted that both parties in the crisis have taken bold steps in the implementation of the proclamation, restating that there was no price too high for peace.
