Rem Frowns And Laughs At Self-Serving Abuja Reconciliation: Says Rivers People Have Been Betrayed

Zoe Solomon Tamunotonye

The Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM) expresses deep concern and outrightly frowns at the so-called reconciliation reached at a closed-door meeting in the Presidential Villa involving Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule. The meeting, brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reportedly resulted in a fresh truce between the warring factions in Rivers State’s prolonged political crisis.

This development marks the second Abuja-brokered reconciliation attempt. The first failed to yield any meaningful resolution or address the real causes of the political tension that has paralyzed governance and destabilized peace in Rivers State.

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REM unequivocally frowns at this so-called reconciliation in its entirety. It is nothing more than a hollow, self-serving political arrangement that prioritizes the narrow interests of a few political actors while completely ignoring the collective pain, sacrifices, and aspirations of the Rivers people. This is not reconciliation—it is a calculated collusion that will fail again.

On what basis has the Governor embarked on another Abuja reconciliation? Is it in the interest of the Rivers people—or in pursuit of his own personal political survival? This is, to say the least, deeply unfortunate. Such actions betray the very people who stood by him, often at great personal risk, during the height of this crisis.

We are especially disheartened that Governor Fubara—who rose on the back of the goodwill, prayers, and unwavering support of Rivers people—would now enter into a backroom deal devoid of public consultation or transparency. This betrayal of public trust raises serious questions about his sincerity and his commitment to the people’s mandate.

This truce, much like the previous one, is built on falsehood, self-interest, and short-term political convenience. It will not stand the test of time. Any reconciliation that does not genuinely reflect the interests, voices, and dignity of the Rivers people is null and void in the eyes of history and justice.

We frown at this unholy and self-serving arrangement, and instead reiterate our call for a genuine, people-centered reconciliation process. REM stands firmly by its earlier proposal for the establishment of an independent Rivers Political Crisis Reconciliation and Democratic Restoration Committee, to be chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd.), and composed of statesmen of unquestionable integrity who can mediate in the true interest of democracy, justice, and the Rivers people.

Rivers State is not the private estate of any politician. We will not remain silent while the destiny of our state is traded away in Abuja parlours of power. We call on all well-meaning Rivers citizens, lovers of democracy, and civil society groups to remain vigilant, peaceful, and resolute in frowning at this sham reconciliation.

Signed:
Zoe Solomon Tamunotonye
National President
Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM)