Governor Sim Fubara’s invitation to lawmakers in the state has been hailed by the Chief Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress and the Emeka Beke-led faction, loyal to former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.
The Okocha faction, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, described Fubara’s invitation to the lawmakers as a welcome development.
The state Publicity Secretary of the party, Chibuike Ikenga, disclosed this during a telephone chat with our correspondent on Sunday.
Ikenga expressed the hope that the move would lead to a resolution of the crisis between the two arms of government in the state.
He stated, “Our position as a party is to the effect that whatever will bring lasting peace to Rivers State is what we support.
“And the two sides, the executive and the legislature, should make all these overtures to engender confidence building which of course will lead to a final resolution of this crisis.
“The Supreme Court had already put a nail on it, but interpersonal relationships between the leaders of the two arms of government are encouraged. There are overtures expected from the two sides which have quarrelled for close to two years.
“That the Rivers State House of Assembly had written letters to the governor and the governor has also responded and the governor has written, inviting them as part of the follow-up of the earlier letter, we welcome all these processes and procedures that will lead to final resolution.”
Also, the Chief of Staff to the Beke-led APC, Chizi Entire, described the development as a win-win situation.
He commended the governor for keeping to his promise of implementing the Supreme Court judgment.
“The letter written by the governor to the Assembly shows that he is a man who believes in the rule of law and who can also maintain his stand and do what he says. This is the first move to ensure orderliness in the state. The governor sees that the people matter and not him.
“So making peace with the lawmakers is the best thing he can achieve for now. When it is achieved, I think the state will move forward.
“The Supreme Court has recognised the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly and the governor does not have any option but to obey the judgment of the Supreme Court.
“It is a win-win. Nobody is a loser and nobody is a winner,” he said.
