The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has lauded President Bola Tinubu, for brokering peace between suspended Rivers Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
NYCN President, SaraIgbe Sukubo, made the commendation in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Sukubo, however , appealed to the president to take the next bold step by lifting the emergency rule in Rivers thereby reinstating Fubara and democratically elected state lawmakers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that Tinubu had on March 18, declared state of emergency in Rivers, following crisis by some political actors.
But, Sukubo noted that with the rays of positive lights between the notable actors in the crisis, Mr President should reverse the rule.
“Now that peace has been brokered and hostilities put behind the political actors, we call on President Tinubu to facilitate the full reinstatement of Fubara as the governor of Rivers.
“This gesture will serve as a symbol of reconciliation and healing, for the governor to be allowed to continue his mandate and deliver on the promises made to the people.
“In the same spirit of equity, justice and democratic restoration, we also call for the reinstatement of all lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly who were affected by the political rift.
“A united legislative arm is crucial for the stability of the state government and the effective implementation of policies that benefit the masses,’’ he said.
Sukubo described the president’s intervention as timely, courageous and landmark testimony of his rare leadership acumen and unwavering commitment to national unity, good governance and democratic stability.
He noted that the NYCN strongly believed that the truce would usher in a new era of comprehensive and overwhelming development across the state.
”It will translate to peace, not only among political actors, but in the hearts of the people and in every nook and cranny of the state,’’ he said.
Sukubo added that the intervention had not only saved Rivers from descending into political chaos but has placed the state back on the pedestal of development, inclusion and responsible governance.
“With this newly established peace, we are confident that governance will return fully to the people.
“Public resources and state institutions can now be redirected toward providing services, creating jobs, building infrastructure and fostering youth development.
“Peace is the bedrock of every thriving democracy and now that Rivers has found that peace, we call on all stakeholders to consolidate it by working together to rebuild trust and confidence in government,’’ he said.
The NYCN president then urged all political stakeholders to move forward with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, saying that the lessons of the past months, must guide them towards deeper dialogue, understanding and collaboration.
“Politics should never be allowed to hinder development or put the lives of citizens in jeopardy,’’ he said.
He also called on political leaders at all levels, especially the youth, to always embrace dialogue, unity and mutual respect in resolving differences.
According to him, conflict, acrimony, or divisive politics, can only drag the nation backward.
“Let Rivers be an example that peace is always achievable, no matter how deep the disagreement may seem,’’ Sukubo said.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to always partner with the Federal and State Governments, in promoting peaceful engagement and conflict resolution mechanisms. (NAN)
