Rivers state commissioner for information, Joe Johnson, says governor siminalayi fubara did not sign a peace agreement with nyesom wike, under duress on Monday.
Johnson said this when he appeared on a live television programme which was monitored from our newsroom
he also disagree that governor fubara entered into the negotiations from a disadvantaged position adding that no price is too big for peace in rivers state
“I was in that meeting and the governor did not negotiate from the place of weakness.
“There was no pressure from anywhere; when people disagree, they come to the round table and settle,” he said.
“There is nothing to doubt it we have gone beyond the issue as to who signed, and who didn’t sign,” Johnson added when asked whether the governor signed the peace agreement.
On whether or not Fubara signed the document or not, the information commissioner said for the governor, no price is too high for peace.
“The Bible that we all profess says we should pursue peace will all men at all cost.
“Mr Governor is a stickler for the rules, and if His Excellency, the President has intervened, he (Fubara) is not a man of perfidy. He will not say something and do the other.
“In the next couple of hours, I will be unveiling some of the approvals His Excellency has already given as an indication that he is prepared for peace. its part of the process to show that we are committed to it (agreement),” Johnson said
Controversies have since trailed the peace agreement with elder statesman; pa Edwin Clark, saying that fubara was “ambushed” into signed the document.
The crisis which engulfed the state also saw the emergence of parallel sittings, an impeachment plot against the governor, the demolition of the assembly complex, and a gale of resignations of pro-wike commissioners in fubara’s cabinet.
However following the peace agreement with the president on Monday the warring factions resolved to bury the hatchet and give peace a chance in the state
Since then Amaewhule and his 26 allies have been reinstated and they in turn have withdrawn the impeachment notice they served the governor.
