The recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State and its subsequent lifting has brought to the fore the deep-seated divisions and power struggles that have plagued the state for far too long. While the return to democratic governance is a welcome development, it is imperative that stakeholders in the state prioritize genuine reconciliation and dialogue to address the underlying issues that have led to the current crisis.
The crisis in Rivers State is not just about politics; it’s about the future of the state and its people. The ongoing feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has led to violent clashes, arson attacks, and kidnappings, which have taken a toll on the state’s economy and its people. It is, therefore, imperative that these stakeholders put aside their differences and work towards a common goal of peace, stability, and progress.
The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has called for genuine reconciliation, urging the governor, members of the State House of Assembly, and other political stakeholders to sink their differences and embrace dialogue. This call is echoed by many Nigerians who believe that the path to peace and stability in the state lies in dialogue and reconciliation.
Taking the pathway of dialogue is essential in resolving the conflicts and promoting peace and stability in Rivers State. It involves listening to each other’s perspectives, understanding each other’s concerns, and working together to find solutions that benefit all parties involved, and residents of the State, both indigent and non-indigent. In the context of Rivers State, dialogue would provide a platform for stakeholders to address their differences and work towards a common goal.
True reconciliation is essential for promoting peace and stability in Rivers State. When stakeholders reconcile, they can work together to address the challenges facing the state, including insecurity, poverty, and infrastructure decay.
A true and wholehearted reconciliation would also promote unity and cooperation among the different factions in the state, leading to a more peaceful and stable environment for all.
Therefore, in order to achieve genuine reconciliation and dialogue in Rivers State, The Newswriter Newspaper, recommend the following steps to be taken:
A dialogue platform should be established where stakeholders can come together to discuss their differences and work towards a common goal.
We call on Stakeholders to promote understanding and respect for each other’s perspectives and concerns.
The root causes of conflict in the state, including power struggles and resource control, should be addressed through dialogue and reconciliation.
Unity and cooperation should be fostered among the different factions in the state to promote peace and stability.
Conclusively, we strongly believe that genuine reconciliation and dialogue are essential for promoting peace and stability in Rivers State. Stakeholders must prioritize dialogue and reconciliation to address the underlying issues that have led to the current crisis. With dialogue and reconciliation, Rivers State can move forward, and Rivers people can look forward to a brighter future.
Tinubu’s Pardons: A Step Towards Healing and Justice*
In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu granted posthumous pardons to the Ogoni 9, Herbert Macaulay, and Major General Mamman Vatsa, among others, sparking mixed reactions from Nigerians. The pardons, announced on Thursday, October 9, 2025, are seen as a step towards healing and justice for the families of the affected individuals.
The Ogoni 9, comprising Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, were executed in 1995 for their activism against environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. Their deaths were widely condemned, and the pardon is seen as a belated recognition of their sacrifices.
Herbert Macaulay, a pioneer nationalist and co-founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), was unjustly convicted by British colonial authorities in 1913. The pardon is perceived to be a vindication of his legacy and a recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s struggle for independence.
Major General Mamman Vatsa, a poet and soldier, was sentenced to death in 1986 for alleged treason. His pardon was seen as a gesture of goodwill and a recognition of his literary contributions to Nigeria.
Details of the presidential pardon granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, gathered across various news and press releases, as published online by the Presidential Villa, State House, on Sunday 12th October, 2025 are as follows.
Illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight were among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mercy on Thursday 9th October, 2025.
President Tinubu granted clemency to most of them based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct. He forgave some due to old age, the acquisition of new vocational skills, or enrolment in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). President Tinubu also corrected the historic injustice committed by British colonialists against Sir Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.
In all, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, recommended pardon for two inmates, 15 former convicts, 11 of whom have died. The committee recommended clemency for 82 inmates and commutation of sentences for 65 inmates. Seven inmates on death row also benefited from the Presidential reprieve. The committee recommended that the President should commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.
Prince Fagbemi presented the committee’s report at the Council of State meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.***
