Rivers elders may need reconciling as Wike, Fubara make up

… One group supports total victory for Wike, the other wants to wait for agreement paper, but calls for rule of law

Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, may have reconciled with his godson, Sim Fubara, governor of Rivers State, but there seems to be need to reconcile the elders of the state.

This is because the elders seemed to be in two different camps during the dispute between political father and son. One group led by Ferdinand Anabraba was seen to stand behind Wike in all decisions, but the other led by Rufus Ada-George and Gabriel Toby seemed to prefer negation instead of surrender. The later group also seemed to demand for rule of law in all reconciliations. This difference tended to tear both groups apart into what was seen as pro-Wike and pro-Fubara elders’ forums.

Now that another round of agreement has been reached and the masses are reacting, calling it one-sided, the pro-Wike elders were seen at the peace roundtable but none from the pro-Fubara elders forum was seen. The pro-Wike elders seem to endorse the peace terms which no one has seen but the pro-Fubara elders forum has shown caution.

While not appearing to disagree to avoid being seen as opposers, they have however issued a statement that seemed to lay some mild conditions or seemed to give caution.

The elders issued a statement Thursday, July 3, 2025, welcoming the reconciliation but tried a tacit denial of backing anyone for personal gains.

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The statement credited to Toby made it clear they did not act for personal gains, but for peace in the state. The carefully worded statement made it clear that reconciliation was what they stood for all through the period of conflict, saying that was why they invited both parties to a peace table, it was not possible.

The press statement signed by Toby, onetime deputy governor (during Peter Odili time), said they had to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take over the peace process.

The elders and leaders however described the just ended crisis as a sad development that deeply wounded the soul of the state and cast an undeserved shadow on their collective image, unity, progress, and prosperity, not minding the anger of the Fubara camp.

Today, the statement said, “We thank God Almighty and commend the recent show of maturity, and courage demonstrated by both men in embracing peace and reconciliation process.”

They said this was exactly what they had earnestly sought from the very beginning, when they first extended an olive branch and invited both parties to a roundtable.

“Unfortunately, our initial efforts were not heeded, which necessitated our formal appeal to President Tinubu to intervene as the father of the nation.

“For the record, we reaffirm that our only interest has always been to safeguard the image, soul, and dignity of Rivers State. We seek no personal gain, political favour, or reward. Our sole desire is to see our state thrive, with its leaders united and working together for the common good of all.”

The forum however said while they welcome and commend this process, that they have chosen not to delve any further into

the subject, because the terms of settlement were yet to be made public. “However, it is our hope that the terms of reconciliation are well rooted within the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and the rule of law.”

Thanking all the parties especially the president, the forum request that since peace and reconciliation have been achieved, “It is our considered view that the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State be lifted and all suspended democratic structures fully restored.

“The will of Rivers people should be respected, and the institutions of democratic governance must be allowed to function freely and transparently.”

They urged everyone in Rivers State to seize this moment of reconciliation not as the end of disagreements, but as the beginning of a new chapter, marked by mutual respect, collective responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the peace, progress and unity of our dear State.

“Let Rivers State rise again in pride, and purpose. Let us never forget that our strength lies in our unity, shared heritage and destiny.

May God continue to bless Rivers State and guide all her leaders aright.”

Observers said there is need to bring both elders camps together to create understanding, else, the crack may start from there. They say for one group of elders to know what is in the peace agreement and feel good while the other does not seem to know may breed ill feelings and crisis later.

The caution by the Toby forum to mention need for rule of law and interest of Rivers people may touch the very core of the fight which many say take bearing from how state treasury should be treated and how all actions must meet basic constitutional yardsticks.

Sources call for understanding and that both camps should be made to feel comfortable with the peace terms.