By Jonathan Elendu
On Monday, December 18th, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with top politicians of Rivers state extraction at the seat of the Federal Government, Aso Rock Villa, to resolve the Rivers State political crisis.
At the meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Rivers State governor, Simi Fubara, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, former governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, football legend and former Attorney-General of Rivers State, Adokie Amesiamaka, the two factional Speakers of the Rivers state House of Assembly and their members.
Hon. Linda Somieri Stewart was absent due to illness and another member is deceased.
After the 8 point resolution was read out by former governor Peter Odili, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked those present if they had any questions.
According to multiple sources who were at the meeting, Gov. Simi Fubara raised his hand. Upon recognition from the president, Gov. Fubara said, “I don’t want my supporters in the Rivers state House of Assembly to be victimised.”
Pres. Tinubu responded that no one will be victimised.
Chief Adokie Amesiamaka raised his hand. The president recognised him to speak, calling him “international footballer.”
Amesiamaka asked the president if the 26 members were, by the resolution, returning to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
The president gave an interesting answer. “How can these new children that I have just received be taken back to Egypt? If the governor wants to avert impeachment he should follow them to APC,” the President said.
Before the resolution was read, the president is said to have expressed his displeasure with Gov. Fubara.
“What you did by pulling down the House of Assembly is an attack on democracy. From the moment you took that action I have been getting panic calls from world leaders. I could’ve wielded the big stick. But I have decided to hold back for now.”
The 8 point resolution has been received in Rivers State and indeed all over Nigeria with mixed feelings.
Many people, especially those who are in sympathy with Nyesom Wike see the resolution as a very smart move by Pres.Tinubu to attempt to make peace between Wike and his protégé.
Others, including elder statesman, E.K. Clarke describe the President’s intervention and the declared resolution as undemocratic, unconstitutional and unworkable.
No one believes the Aso Rock Villa meeting of Monday is capable of effectively solving the vexing issues that have led to the crisis. They see a temporary postponement of the crisis.
