JUST IN! Full List Of Agreement Reached Between Wike And Fubara As Tinubu Reportedly Moves To Reinstate Rivers Governor (See Date)

In a significant development, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, have reached a comprehensive agreement to end the prolonged political crisis in the state. The resolution was achieved during a high-level meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on December 18, 2023. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including former Governor Peter Odili, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.

Background of the Crisis

The political turmoil in Rivers State began shortly after Governor Fubara assumed office in May 2023. A rift between Fubara and Wike led to a series of events that destabilized the state's governance. The crisis escalated when 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with Wike. This defection resulted in parallel legislative sessions, an attempted impeachment of Governor Fubara, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and the resignation of several commissioners loyal to Wike from Fubara’s cabinet.

Key Resolutions from the Peace Accord

The peace agreement, brokered by President Tinubu, outlined several critical resolutions aimed at restoring stability in Rivers State:

1. Withdrawal of Legal Actions: All court cases initiated by Governor Fubara and his team concerning the political crisis are to be withdrawn immediately.

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

3. Recognition of Assembly Leadership: Martin Amaewhule is to be recognized as the legitimate Speaker of the House, along with the 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC.

4. Reinstatement of Legislative Benefits: All salaries and benefits for members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff are to be reinstated promptly. Governor Fubara is also directed not to interfere with the Assembly's funding.

5. Autonomy of Legislative Sessions: The House of Assembly is granted the autonomy to choose its venue for legislative activities without interference from the executive branch .

6. Re-presentation of the State Budget: Governor Fubara is to re-present the 2024 budget to a fully constituted House of Assembly for proper legislative scrutiny and approval.

7. Resubmission of Commissioner Appointments: The names of all commissioners who resigned amid the crisis are to be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for confirmation.

8. Local Government Administration: The dissolution of local government administrations is declared null and void. No caretaker committees are to be appointed, ensuring the continuity of elected local government officials.

Signatories to the Agreement

The peace accord was signed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Speaker Martin Amaewhule, PDP Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, and APC Chairman Tony Okocha.

Reactions and Implications

While the agreement marks a significant step towards political stability in Rivers State, it has elicited mixed reactions. Elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark criticized the terms of the settlement, describing them as "unconstitutional, absurd, and obnoxious." He accused President Tinubu of favoring Wike and undermining democratic principles.

Despite the criticisms, the agreement is seen by many as a necessary compromise to restore governance and peace in Rivers State. It underscores the importance of dialogue and federal intervention in resolving intra-party conflicts that threaten state stability.

Conclusion

The resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State through the intervention of President Tinubu and the agreement between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike represents a pivotal moment in Nigerian politics. It highlights the challenges of political succession and the complexities of intra-party dynamics. As the state moves forward, the implementation of the agreement's terms will be crucial in determining the durability of this peace accord and the restoration of effective governance in Rivers State.