The Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thoughts has faulted some clauses in the presidential peace proclamation in the political crisis in the state, saying it is tantamount to bullying an elected governor.
They describe it as the worst and unimaginable agreement in democratic governance and that it did not recognise constitutional, judicial and legal issues regarding the state legislators who defected from a political party that gave them the platform to a new one.
Convener of the CORSLOTS, Sunnie Chukumele, who stated this at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, said the peace deal failed to address the root causes of the problem.
Other members of the coalition are Prof Blessing Didia, Chief Tammy Datoru, Hajia Miriam Batubo, C.D Samuel, Wing Commander Michael Akumute (retd.), Linda Douglas Wibani, Chief Odinakachukwu Osundu, Dr Parry Benson, Alalibo Fredricks, Chief Timothy Ntedeng, among others.
Chukumele said Rivers people were worried about some of the issues, especially in clauses 5 and 7 of the peace accord which he said were obnoxious.
He said accepting Clause 5, which directed members of the state Assembly to sit wherever they want, meant that the state lawmakers could sit in a beer palour to deliberate and pass laws for the state.
On the other hand, Clause 6, according to him, will present the worst oddity in governance as it will be record breaking in executive cowardice and stupidity.
Chukumele further said representing a state budget that had been passed into law and approved by the governor was akin to what obtained in a banana republic.
He argued that Clause 7 implied that there are no other persons so qualified to serve in the State Executive Council other than those who willingly resigned their appointments. This will amount to a laughing stock.
He added, “That we welcome the implementation of the Peace Accord so far with the withdrawals of pending actions in the court by both sides. We commend the stance of the state governor on the peace process as we believe also that peace is priceless.
“That we are happy with the Governor’s Christmas Day visit to his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. We believe by such steps, real peace based on mutual love and respect would be birthed to the Glory of God.”
He, however, condemned the sectional and ethnic colouration being introduced into the political conflict in the state, saying the problem should at all times be seen as Rivers State problem which must be solved by the people of the state.
