Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he has accepted the terms of the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the protracted political crisis in the state.
The crisis followed a face-off between Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike.
The governor insisted that he has accepted the peace pact in a statewide broadcast to mark the 2023 Christmas celebration.
He noted that the presidential intervention has helped to give room for resolution of the political war in the state.
Fubara, who acknowledged that the directives had ignited mixed reactions across the state, said he has taken much time to examine the terms of the pact and that it is not as bad as perceived by people.
He said: “As a principal participant in the entire saga, I have taken some time to study the terms therein and have come to the conclusion that the Peace Pact is not as bad as it is being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it.
“It is certainly not a death sentence. It offers some way towards lasting peace and stability in our dear state.
“Accordingly, I reaffirm my acceptance of the Presidential Peace Proclamation and my commitment to implementing both the spirit and letters of the declaration in such a way and manner that will restore political stability to our dear state without compromising the collective interest of our people and our cherished and shared democratic values.”
He noted that both parties in the crisis have taken bold steps in the implementation of the proclamation, restating that there was no price too high for peace.
Rivers crisis: I have accepted Tinubu’s peace deal – Fubara declares