Following the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the state’s ongoing political issue, former Rivers State Governor Rufus Ada George has advised political leaders and citizens to maintain composure and encourage communication.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The Supreme Court has ruled that state funds must be withheld until the government submits a budget to the legislature, upholding the legality of the Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.
George issued a warning to reporters in Port Harcourt on Monday about the potential for tensions to rise due to provocative statements, threats, and demands. He urged all political players to prioritize the welfare of the state before their own political or personal interests. “Even though the Supreme Court has handed down its decision, there is still opportunity for compassionate and practical rulings that can lessen the negative impact of the decision on the populace,” he stated.
He used historical precedents, such as the 1962 Western Regional Crisis, to warn that political disputes could have far-reaching effects if they are not handled appropriately. George also voiced worries about the crisis’s effects on the economy, including the hold-up in the state’s receipt of federal funding. He urged immediate action to end the deadlock, pointing out that regular people were already feeling the strain.
“Negotiation is still an essential tool for peacebuilding, even in areas that have experienced war,” he stated. In particular, he urged past governors and their deputies to unite and strive for the state’s stability. Additionally, he urged the 32 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to put the advancement of Rivers State ahead of their own interests.
“As Rivers State’s oldest civilian governor, I continue to have hope for the future. As we forge a new path for our beloved state, let us embrace harmony, peace, and compromise,” he continued. His remarks coincided with escalating political tensions after the Rivers State House of Assembly recently gave the Chairman and Commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission a 72-hour ultimatum to appear before it. Governor Siminalayi Fubara was previously required by the Assembly to submit candidates for commissioner appointments and deliver the 2025 budget. During the Nigerian Third Republic, from January 1992 to November 1993, Rufus Ada George was Rivers State’s second civilian governor.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
