Setback for Fubara-Wike Accord: PDP, Clark, Others Disapprove of the Rejected 8-Point Agreement

Rivers State remains ensnared in political upheaval as the much-anticipated peace pact between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike encounters staunch resistance. Despite a seemingly positive start with a signed agreement at the presidential villa, doubts loom over the acceptance of the 8-point resolution.

Governor Fubara, in his initial post-meeting statement, expressed unwavering commitment to peace, declaring, “There is no price too big to pay to ensure that peace prevails.” However, skepticism arises concerning the authenticity of Fubara and ex-governor Peter Odili’s signatures on the resolution, believed to heavily favor Wike.

The power struggle, escalating over the past two months, reached a climax with accusations of revenue demands by Wike and an attempted impeachment by the State House of Assembly, leading to a bombed Assembly complex. Subsequent events include the demolition of the complex for renovation and defections of 27 Assembly members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Monday meeting, attended by key figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, aimed at reconciliation. However, the resulting resolution, directing Fubara to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill and withdrawing litigations, sparked discontent within Fubara’s camp.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the truce, insisting on fresh elections for the 25 vacancies in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum emphasizes the need for former lawmakers to seek re-election in line with constitutional provisions.

Notable figures like Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark and legal expert Robert Clarke criticize the resolution. Clark sees it as a ploy to hand over political leadership to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, while Clarke questions President Tinubu’s constitutional right to intervene.

Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani views the peace accord as a temporary relief for Fubara, predicting future conflicts. Similarly, Kenneth Ibuchukwu Nwodo and Onyebuchi Igboke criticize the resolution as an endorsement of godfatherism and a risky trap, respectively.

As Rivers State navigates this turbulent political landscape, the viability of the peace pact and its long-term implications remain uncertain, leaving residents and observers wary of the unfolding developments.