WHY IS THE PEACE ONE-SIDED?(OPINION)

The reason it has been difficult for some of us to fully accept the ongoing peace process is simple: if peace is truly genuine, it cannot be lopsided. A one-sided peace is fragile and bound to collapse. For reconciliation to be meaningful, it must be holistic, inclusive, and without segregation. It should extend to elders, public office holders, and supporters from both factions.

When Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, met with his predecessor, the FCT Minister Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRS, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, many of us encouraged that the peace process be extended across board. However, since the truce, we have observed that the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sitting without implementing the Supreme Court directive that all Assembly members should return to the status quo.

It is commendable that on October 4th, 2025, the FCT Minister Chief Nyesom Wike convened a meeting with the Governor, state elders, and National Assembly members loyal to him. Yet, it is unfair that elders, National Assembly members, and State Assembly members who stood firmly with the Governor during the crisis have been excluded.

The sidelining of Rivers State House of Assembly members such as Rt. Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Hon. Timothy Orubienimigha (excluding Ehie Edison, who resigned and now serves as Chief of Staff, Government House) makes the reconciliation process incomplete.

If the Governor can freely work with those who once opposed him, even individuals like Samuel Nwanosike, who insulted him publicly—then the FCT Minister should equally demonstrate tolerance by ensuring Assembly members loyal to him embrace their colleagues who stood by the Governor.

There are also key stakeholders and respected elders—including former Governors Sir Dr. Peter Odili, CON, Dr. Rufus Ada-George, and eminent personalities like Senator John Mbata, who stood firmly with the Governor, etc; They too must be part of the reconciliation process. True peace cannot be one-sided. Anything less risks making this truce appear as nothing more than a photo opps or a television display of peace.

For peace to be lasting, all factions must be carried along without undermining those who stood with the Governor. Only then can the disoriented and divided supporters, especially on social media where crossfires persist, be convinced that reconciliation is real. The way to achieve this is by bringing everyone to the table. Anything short of that only delays another round of conflict.

~ Ijoma Peter Obi | Political Analyst | 5th October 2025

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