Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike said yesterday that peace has finally returned to Rivers State, claiming that he owes no one an explanation for the terms of the agreement signed with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
His statement came as the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum urged President Tinubu to abolish the state’s de facto state of emergency and fully restore democratic institutions.
During a monitored media talk in Abuja, Wike stated that certain individuals had exploited the Rivers political issue for selfish gain, treating it as a personal “oil well” from which they drew illicit benefits.
Wike stated that these actors are now displeased with the resolution of his fight with Governor Fubara.
“Some people were fed fat from the crisis. Now that peace has returned, they are no longer happy. I don’t owe anyone an explanation. What matters is that the state is moving forward,” Wike stated.
Wike claimed that his decision to reconcile with Fubara was in Rivers State’s best interests and that he remained dedicated to regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has applauded the peace agreement reached between the two erstwhile allies-turned-rivals, urging President Bola Tinubu to finish the healing process by abolishing what they regard as an imposed emergency in the state.
They also requested that all suspended democratic structures be reinstated without delay.
In a statement signed by its acting chairman and former deputy governor of the state, Dr Gabriel Toby, the Forum stated, “We commend the recent maturity and courage shown by both men in embracing peace.
“This is what we, the Elders Forum, had long advocated when we initially called them to a roundtable. Though our efforts were not heeded at the time, we thank President Tinubu for stepping in as a father figure.”
They acknowledged that the months-long political crisis, which pitted Wike against Fubara and involved the State House of Assembly, had severely damaged Rivers State’s unity and prestige.
“We watched in pain as our state was dragged through tension and division. But now that reconciliation is in motion, we urge Mr President to lift the emergency rule. Let democratic governance return fully, and let the will of the people be respected,” the Forum said.
While praising the reconciliation, the Forum stated that the particular conditions of the peace deal had yet to be released. However, it expressed hope that the settlement would be consistent with the 1999 Constitution and the values of the rule of law.
“Our concern remains the collective good of Rivers State. We are not seeking personal gain or political favour. We only want a United States where elected leaders can work together to deliver the dividends of democracy,” the statement added.
The Forum called on all stakeholders to treat this reconciliation not as the end of political disagreements but as the dawn of a new chapter, one defined by mutual respect, cooperation, and dedication to the state’s development.
“Let Rivers rise again in pride and purpose. Our strength lies in our unity, shared heritage, and common destiny,” it concluded.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")