The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has called for the immediate lifting of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, citing the recent reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. At a press conference held Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Forum expressed optimism that the resolution of the months-long political crisis would pave the way for unity, stability, and renewed development across the state.

Describing the political conflict as a “sad development that deeply wounded the soul of our dear state,” Acting Chairman of the Forum, Alabo Dr. Gabriel Toby, lamented the damage it inflicted on Rivers State’s image, unity, and prosperity. He commended President Bola Tinubu for his timely intervention and praised both Fubara and Wike for what he termed “a show of maturity and courage” in embracing peace, adding that the outcome was precisely what the Forum had sought from the onset of the crisis.

Dr. Toby emphasized that the Forum’s involvement in the peace efforts was guided purely by patriotic motives. “We seek no personal gain, political favour, or reward. Our sole desire is to see our state thrive, with its leaders united and working together for the common good of all,” he said. He further stressed that the terms of the reconciliation, though not yet disclosed, should align with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and uphold the rule of law.

With peace gradually returning to the state, the Forum strongly advocated for the full restoration of democratic institutions that were suspended during the crisis. “It is our considered view that the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State be lifted and all suspended democratic structures fully restored,” the Forum stated. The elders concluded by urging citizens of Rivers State to embrace the new climate of peace and work collectively toward a future grounded in unity and shared purpose.