Governor Fubara, left, and Wike
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, has dispelled the rumour that Governor Sim Fubara signed the “peace agreement” with his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, under duress at the Presidential Villa meeting on Monday.
Recall that there had been insinuations that Fubara was forced to sign the document which many believe weighed heavily against him. Some even argued that Fubara’s signature was forged as document showed his signature was not signed in a red ink.
Johnson spoke on Wednesday during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics programme.
“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 (the agreement), we have gone beyond the issue as to who signed, and who didn’t sign,” Johnson stressed 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. It’s part of the process to show that we are committed to it (agreement),” the commissioner said.
