Senator Bennett Birabi has welcomed the reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, describing it as a “surprise but necessary development”.
Birabi, who represented Rivers South-East in the third republic, said that it should bring relief to Rivers people.
The member of the Rivers Elders Forum (NEF) said the long-standing political crisis had taken its toll on the state, and it was time for leaders to put aside their differences in the interest of the people.
“The Rivers people have had to pay the price for their disagreements,” he said. “So, I’m happy they did get together.”
While applauding the peace effort, Birabi cautioned that the terms of the reconciliation must not undermine Governor Fubara’s authority.
“I just hope that this settlement allows Fubara to act independently as governor,” he stated.
Responding to concerns that the reconciliation might lead to dominance by one party, Birabi said personal issues should not override the collective good.
“It doesn’t matter how Wike feels about me. What matters is the interest of Rivers State,” he emphasized. “I would rather have Wike—even if he’s difficult—than a stranger governing Rivers.”
Birabi maintained that he belonged to no political faction, but his focus remains on ensuring Rivers State progresses, regardless of who is at the helm.
“I don’t belong to any of their factions. I’m older than all of them. But they’re all Rivers people, and what we need is peace and purposeful leadership,” the former lawmaker added.
On whether the Elders Forum has met on the matter, he noted, “The Elders Forum has not met over it, and even if we meet over it, all we can do is make platitudes, talk to them, and commend the peace move .”