By Gloria Ogbonna
The prolonged political impasse in Rivers State appears to have found resolution as conflicting parties reached a settlement on Monday night.
After extensive discussions lasting about three hours at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, a truce emerged among President Bola Tinubu, Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, former governor Peter Odili, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesome Wike, and other key stakeholders.
The meeting, held at the President's office, included Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the President's Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
An eight-point resolution was signed at the conclusion of the meeting, stipulating crucial directives. Notably, it mandated the withdrawal of all legal suits brought by Fubara and his team concerning the Rivers State political crisis.
The resolution, signed by Fubara, Ordu, Wike, Ribadu, the factional Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly Martin Amaewhule, PDP Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, and APC Chairman Tony Okocha, directed the withdrawal of impeachment proceedings against Fubara and emphasized recognition of the state House of Assembly's leadership and members who resigned from the PDP.
Furthermore, the directives highlighted the reinstatement of remunerations and benefits for the House of Assembly members and staff. It stressed the independence of the House's functioning without executive interference and called for the proper presentation of the state budget to a duly constituted House.
The resolution also addressed the resubmission of resigned commissioners' names to the House for approval and rejected the formation of a caretaker committee for local governments in Rivers State, declaring the dissolution of the local government administration null and void.
The protracted political crisis in Rivers State had escalated to the burning and demolition of the state House of Assembly complex, with security personnel blocking the premises' entrance. However, the resolution aims to alleviate tensions and pave the way for smoother governance in the state.
Source punch
Comments