Political associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and supporters of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are making progress towards ending their political differences, with both sides appearing increasingly committed to reconciliation.
According to The Punch the development followed another meeting between the Magnus Abe-led reconciliation committee of the Rainbow Coalition and Governor Fubara at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The meeting was the second engagement between the committee and the governor within two weeks as efforts intensify to reunite the opposing political camps.
The committee also assured members of the political family that no individual would be victimised or discriminated against because of past disagreements, stressing that everyone would be treated equally under the emerging peace arrangement.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Government House and made available to journalists on Sunday.
Speaking after the meeting, Abe explained that the committee had continued discussions with political stakeholders to develop a framework for bringing the various factions together.
He said the progress made so far was significant and would be welcomed by Rivers residents who desired peace and stability in the state.
Abe stated, “I’m sure that Rivers people will be very curious to understand exactly what we have been talking about.
“So, I know that this will be very good news for all Rivers people who are interested in the unity, progress and prosperity of Rivers State. We are all in agreement, and we have made very good progress.
“Our coming together signals a significant shift in the political atmosphere of the state, and we believe that all well-meaning Rivers people will be very happy to see that finally, the peace that all Rivers people crave is here.”
Also speaking, the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Samuel Nwanosike, thanked Fubara for receiving the delegation and providing an opportunity for the stakeholders to engage in a brotherly atmosphere.
Nwanosike said the outcome of the latest meeting indicated that the reconciliation process was yielding results and that the political family was gradually coming together again.
“I’m so excited. The last meeting went well. Today’s meeting went extraordinarily well, and it shows clearly to the people of Rivers State that the family is back; sincerely back, and soon, they will see the working of the Rainbow Coalition.
“We will give the people of Rivers State the dividends of democracy they’ve been expecting from all angles,” Nwanosike said.
Another stakeholder, Chief Ambrose Nwuzi, said those who supported Fubara had accepted the need to put past disagreements behind them and embrace peace.
Nwuzi described the previous disagreements as part of the challenges that could arise among people and political associates.
“Our leader has spoken, and our overall leader has equally spoken and accepted that there is a need for all of us to reconcile. I can tell you that we have reconciled.
“All that we are waiting for is for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to put the seal on the reconciliation process which has been going on for the past few weeks,” he said.
The delegation also included the Rivers State APC governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda, Tamosisi Jaja and other stakeholders.
The reconciliation committee was established by Wike as part of efforts to resolve the prolonged political disagreements within the Rivers political family.
