Rivers State: Why Not Build On The Peace?

In recent weeks, a measure of calm has returned to the political landscape of Rivers State. The relative quiet appears to have followed a rapprochement among the principal actors in the protracted crisis: Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and members of the State House of Assembly.
Encouragingly, work has progressed on key infrastructure projects, including the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road and the rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex. These developments suggest that governance may be regaining traction after months of uncertainty.
Last weekend’s bye-elections, conducted peacefully across the state, further reinforced the impression that tensions had eased. The calmer political atmosphere and the noticeable reduction in public hostilities between the contending camps offered hope that Rivers State was finally turning a corner.
It was therefore not entirely surprising when Governor Fubara dissolved his cabinet, relieving commissioners and special advisers of their duties. The prevailing assumption was that an armistice had been reached one that would pave the way for a reset in governance and foster cooperation among previously warring factions for the peace and progress of the state.
Rivers has endured instability since October 2023, when the current crisis erupted. Citizens understandably yearn for closure and a return to normalcy.
However, more than two weeks after the dissolution of the cabinet, the governor has yet to forward a list of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation. Equally troubling is the continued delay in presenting the state budget to the legislature a matter that lies at the heart of the earlier impasse.
These delays raise legitimate concerns. They create the impression that, despite outward signs of reconciliation, critical issues remain unresolved between the executive and the legislature. Governance cannot function optimally in the absence of a duly constituted cabinet and an approved budget.
The state requires a legally passed appropriation law to fund public services, execute projects and meet its obligations. The governor, on his part, needs a team of commissioners to drive policy implementation across ministries. Prolonged delays only deepen uncertainty and risk undermining the fragile peace that appears to have been achieved.
Politics, at its core, is about negotiation and conflict resolution. It is therefore difficult to comprehend why disagreements that have attracted multiple interventions including from the Presidency cannot be conclusively settled in the interest of the state.
Why has the budget not been laid before the House of Assembly? Why has the list of commissioner-nominees not been transmitted? These are questions that deserve clear and prompt answers.
The Governor, the House of Assembly and their respective political backers must remember that they owe the people of Rivers State a solemn duty: to provide governance, stability and development. The citizens cannot be held hostage indefinitely by political disagreements.
If the parties are truly committed to peace, then the next logical step is to institutionalise it through cooperation, constitutional compliance and transparent governance. Rivers State cannot afford to relapse into cycles of confrontation over matters that should be resolved through dialogue and statesmanship.
Should any actor find collaboration impossible, the democratic space allows for honorable exit? Public office is a responsibility, not a battleground for perpetual conflict. The peace must not only be declared; it must be consolidated in action, in law and in service to the people.