The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum have criticized the documented “Peace Resolutions” resulting from the peace meeting organized by Bola Tinubu to address the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. They express concern that the contents of the resolutions violate constitutional provisions.
Rufus Ada George, a former Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, conveyed these sentiments on behalf of the Forum in response to the “Peace Resolutions” reached between Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Minister of the F.C.T Nyesom Wike, Martins Amaewhule, and others, as directed by Tinubu following an emergency meeting on Tuesday.
While appreciating Tinubu’s intervention, the elders criticize the directives, asserting that no one has the authority to nullify a court directive except a higher court, nor can anyone dictate the venue for a House of Assembly to convene.
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“The directives contravene the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which Tinubu swore to uphold at all times. The directives unilaterally suspended the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in an attempt to reverse a court order recognizing Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie as the speaker and directing that the remainder of members of the House of Assembly constituted the quorum for legislative business,” Ada George stated.
Ada George expressed regret that the primary guardian of the constitution seems comfortable disregarding it. The elder statesman, who served as governor of the state in the third republic, emphasized the legal perspective, citing a Rivers State High Court decision that the defected Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule and his team no longer exist in the state House of Assembly, and thus, cannot be reinstated and remunerated through unofficial channels.
The peace pact signing at the Presidential Villa on Monday between Governor Fubara and Wike continues to elicit reactions. The document, known as the Peace Resolution, outlines six points of agreement and was signed by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and others.
Governor Fubara, acknowledging the support of Rivers people during the crisis, expressed gratitude, stating, “There is no price too big to pay for peace” during a public function on Tuesday.