Political Crisis in Rivers State Resolved After Intense Talks at Aso Rock Villa
The longstanding political crisis in Rivers State appears to have come to an end as key parties reached a truce during a marathon three-hour discussion on Monday night at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
The high-stakes talks were attended by President Bola Tinubu, Rivers Governor Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, former governor Peter Odili, and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike, among other influential stakeholders.
Wike, recognized for his role in the election of Fubara and other officials, arrived at the State House around 7 pm and joined the meeting in the President’s office. Notable figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila were also in attendance.
At the conclusion of the talks, an eight-point resolution was signed, with President Tinubu directing the immediate withdrawal of all lawsuits related to the political crisis initiated by Fubara and his team.
The resolution further outlined that Governor Fubara is tasked with re-presenting the 2024 appropriation bill to the full House of Assembly. Additionally, any ongoing impeachment proceedings against Fubara in the Rivers Assembly are to be dropped without delay.
The key points of the resolution include the recognition of the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, and the acknowledgment of the 27 members who resigned from the PDP.
It also emphasizes the reinstatement of remunerations and benefits for all Assembly members and staff, with the Governor refraining from interfering with funding.
Furthermore, the resolution ensures the autonomy of the Rivers State House of Assembly in choosing its location for legislative activities without executive interference.
Governor Fubara is mandated to resubmit the state budget to a properly constituted Assembly, and the names of commissioners who resigned due to the crisis should be resubmitted for approval.
Crucially, the resolution rejects the formation of a caretaker committee for local governments, declaring the dissolution of the Local Government administration null and void.
The political crisis, which escalated into the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex and subsequent security measures, now seems to have found resolution through these comprehensive agreements.