Seasonal greetings from the Elders and Leaders of Thought of Rivers State, and we hope that this letter meets you well and healthy.
The message of the Angels at Christmas is peace to all men and this indeed is our message to you, the government and the good people of Rivers State. Based on our faith and belief as Christians, we accepted this angelic peace message over two thousand years ago.
We accept your humility as shown in your Christmas Day Broadcast of 25 December, 2023, to the good people of Rivers State.However, we THE PEOPLE OF RIVERS STATE do not see any peace in the so called “Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation”. The Forum commends your Excellency’s honesty and sincerity in accepting that Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation “has elicited mixed reactions from our people and across the country…”
Peace can only be practised in a germane, truthful and just society. In this case, the environment in which the peace was brokered showed no sensitivity to the people’s security, political and social interest.
Mr. Governor Sir, you stated categorically that you are a principal participant in the entire saga and the Presidential Peace Proclamation is not as bad as being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it. That proclamation is actually a death sentence as it breaches all legal and constitutional rights you swore to uphold. Mr. Governor, you also stated in your broadcast that the document offers a way and means of peace: PEACE AT WHAT COST?
Your Excellency Sir, one of the Arab-Israeli wars was declared over on the lawns of the White House, believing that the war was indeed over with a declaration that there is peace in Galilee. Today we are living witnesses to the facts that the documents signed by the Late Israeli President Menachem Begin, and the Late PLO Chairman, Yasser Arafat, has been shredded into pieces, and there is neither celebration of Christmas nor peace in Bethlehem.
On this note, we state that you do not place too much premium on the assurances of detractors; rather, be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria you swore to uphold. The Forum believes that there could be peace in Port Harcourt and indeed the entire Rivers State if only your Excellency would be circumspect in your actions, measured in your engagements, and have a critical mind in your review of events. Therefore Mr. Governor, you have no constitutional or any other legal power to implement the ‘Presidential Peace Proclamation’.
The message of Christmas is peace in Bethlehem and to the world. We, at this Forum also wish you
peace in Port Harcourt and the entire Rivers State.
Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.
SIGNED:
His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George CON GSSRS __________________
HE Alabo (Dr) G.T.G. Toby, KSC, DSSRS ___________________________
HE Ibim Princewill _________________________________
Rear Adm. O. P. Fingesi, (Rtd), OFR ___________________________
HRH Alabo Emeritus Prof Dagogo Fubara____________________________
HRH NLA Iraron, Ede Obolo II_______________________________
HH Anabs Sara Igbe_____________________________________
Sen Bennett Birabi__________________________________
Ms. Annkio Briggs________________________________________
Captain Nwankwo _________________________________________
Prof. A.W. Obianime JP _______________________________________
Aseme-Alabo Prof. E. T. Bristol Alagbariya, JP, KSC ________________________
