Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed the criticisms and insinuations on the peace accord he agreed to with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike in Abuja as brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fubara, who denied the claim that the agreement was forced on him, also expressed his commitment to abide by the terms stated in the pact.
The Rivers State Governor who reiterated his earlier assertion that there is no price to pay for peace to reign in Rivers spoke during a statewide broadcast to mark Christmas celebrations on Monday morning.
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 a 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.
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According to Fubara “Let me also use this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, HIs Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu GCFR for wading into the near crisis situation that almost punctuated the prevailing peace in our dear State.
“Indeed, by this singular effort, our dear President has demonstrated that he loves Rivers State and cherishes nothing short of a reign of perfect peace in our State with his Presidential Peace Proclamation on the 18th of December 2023.
“Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation has naturally elicited mixed reactions from our people and across the country.
He reiterated further that already, both parties have demonstrated some good faith in the implementation process with the withdrawal of the purported impeachment notice on their part, and the release of hitherto withheld allowances of the members of the State House of Assembly by the Government.
“I have said before, there is no price too much to pay for peace. And with the realization that the worst peace is better than the best war, we will strive to make peace with all segments and interest groups without surrendering our freedom nor jeopardizing the interest and well-being of the good people of Rivers State who graciously entrusted us with their cherished mandate.
The Governor assured that in the face of every challenge, he always consulted widely and confidently to a part that will best advance and protect the collective interest of Rivers State and people, which is what we have resolved to do in the present circumstances.
Fubara added that it is his singular honour and privilege to address the people of the Rivers State on the auspicious occasion of the 2023 Christmas celebration, the first since assuming office as Chief Steward of the State.
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Recalling the symbolic birth of Jesus Christ, he said the circumstances surrounding the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ are very sobering with far reaching lessons for navigating through life’s travails.
The Governor said “First, He was born of exceptionally lowly parentage: Joseph, the carpenter, and the mother, the immaculate Virgin Mary – not of royalty.
He enjoined the people to take note of the two very unique qualities the Almighty God expects the entire mankind to emulate: simplicity and humility.
The governor re-emphasized that he will continue to stick to the promised mantra of his administration of continuity and consolidation.
He called for kind understanding and confidence in the process being embarked upon to find lasting peace in Rivers, while expressing confidence that stability and progress can be achieved in the State without endangering the collective interest of its people.
Recall that Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory had at a Church service yesterday accused Fubara of reneging in the peace agreement.