AdminCivil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has stated that by inviting lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has demonstrated that he is a democrat and a lover of peace to the core.
HURIWA admonished the Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to accept the Governor’s peace overtures because ultimately, nobody benefits from political crisis just as the Rights group emphasized that the citizens of Rivers State are entitled to good governance which can only be actualised in an atmosphere of peace, stability and security.
The group said this while reacting to the decision of Governor Fubara to
invite the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule to a meeting.
The invitation is contained in a letter dated 7 March 2025 signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo and addressed to Supreme Court’s accredited Speaker, Mr. Amaewhule.
The letter reads: “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5th March 2025 to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court Judgment, and has therefore directed me to invite you and your colleagues -the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly, to a meeting to discuss:-
“Provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings. Payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members. Presentation of Budget and sundry matters;
“Any other matter(s), as may be necessary, to chart the way forward in the best interest of the State. Sequel to the above, I hereby humbly invite the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and all the Rivers State House of Assembly members to a meeting with the Governor as follows.”
The Rights group in a statement said the governor in keeping to his promise to take a final decision after receiving the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgement, has been very magnanimous and transparent in respecting the orders made by the Supreme Court by initiating pragmatic ways to maintain peace, security, stability and advancement of Rivers State.
HURIWA emphasised that with the governor’s disposition which earned him the association and others’ admiration, all eyes are now on the other lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly said to be loyal to the former of the state and FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, to best work for peace and security just as Governor Fubara has demonstrated in his letter inviting the lawmakers for a meeting on the way forward.
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“We have read the letter from the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, inviting the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt.Hon. Martins Amaewhule to a meeting as a result of the recent Supreme Court’s judgement.
“By inviting the lawmakers under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule which everyone knows is loyal to his predecessor and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has clearly shown that Governor Fubara is a democrat to the core who believe in the rule of law and exigency of peace as a panacea to good governance and development.
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“Now that the governor has shown the highest attribute of statesmanship and obedience to judicial pronouncement coming from the highest court in the land, all eyes are now on the pro-Wike camp as their action or inaction would prove truly who they represent either as people who are interested in peace and progress of Rivers or not. It behooves them to cooperate with the governor so that the good people of Rivers State are spared the dire consequences of unending political unrest,” HURIWA stated.
