JUST IN! Full List Of Agreement Reached Between Tinubu, Fubara Over Rivers Crisis

In a significant move to restore stability in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu successfully mediated a peace agreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, amid a prolonged political crisis. The resolution, reached during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, outlines eight key points aimed at resolving the impasse that has disrupted governance in the oil-rich state.

Background of the Crisis

The political turmoil in Rivers State escalated when 27 members of the State House of Assembly, loyal to Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This shift led to impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, who responded by presenting the 2024 budget to a faction of four lawmakers aligned with him. The ensuing conflict resulted in the resignation of several commissioners and a breakdown in the state's administrative functions.

The Eight-Point Agreement

President Tinubu's intervention culminated in the following resolutions, signed by key stakeholders including Governor Fubara, Nyesom Wike, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, Speaker Martin Amaewhule, PDP Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, and APC Chairman Tony Okocha: 

1. Withdrawal of Court Cases: Governor Fubara and his team agreed to withdraw all legal actions instituted in relation to the political crisis in Rivers State.

2. Cessation of Impeachment Proceedings: The Rivers State House of Assembly will halt all impeachment processes initiated against Governor Fubara.

3. Recognition of Assembly Leadership: The leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule and comprising the 27 defected members, will be officially recognized.

4. Restoration of Legislative Benefits: All remunerations and benefits for members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff will be reinstated immediately. 

5. Autonomy of Legislative Sittings: The Rivers State House of Assembly will have the autonomy to choose their sitting venue and conduct legislative business without interference from the executive branch.

6. Re-presentation of the 2024 Budget: Governor Fubara will re-present the 2024 budget to the fully constituted House of Assembly for proper legislative processing.

7. Reappointment of Resigned Commissioners: The names of commissioners who resigned amid the crisis will be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for reappointment.

8. Reinstatement of Local Government Administrations: The dissolution of local government administrations in Rivers State is declared null and void, and there will be no caretaker committees appointed.

Significance of the Agreement

This comprehensive agreement marks a pivotal step towards restoring political stability and effective governance in Rivers State. By addressing the core issues fueling the crisis, including legislative recognition, budgetary processes, and administrative appointments, the accord aims to reestablish functional governance structures and foster unity among political actors.

President Tinubu's role as a mediator underscores the federal government's commitment to maintaining peace and constitutional order within the federation. The successful negotiation of this agreement demonstrates the potential for dialogue and compromise in resolving political disputes.

Moving Forward

The implementation of the eight-point agreement requires the cooperation and goodwill of all parties involved. Continuous engagement and adherence to the agreed terms are essential to prevent a recurrence of the crisis. Stakeholders and citizens alike will be watching closely to ensure that the resolutions translate into tangible improvements in governance and public service delivery in Rivers State.

As the state embarks on this path to reconciliation and stability, the lessons learned from this crisis may serve as a blueprint for addressing similar political challenges in other parts of Nigeria.