By Jimitota Onoyume

Arewa leader in the South Alhaji Musa Saidu has enjoined governor Sim Fubara of Rivers state , the Minister of the federal capital territory, Nyesom Wike and their supporters to use the opportunity of the judgement of the Supreme court to embrace peace.

Saidu who spoke to the Vanguard said all sides should sheath their swords for the common good of a peaceful Rivers state, stressing that it was time they all sank their political differences and focus on the bigger picture of a peaceful and stable Rivers state.

The Arewa leader said all sides should ensure that the political crisis that erupted in the state between 2000-2004 which resulted in several deaths should not reoccur, lamenting that about 37 northerners lost their lives to stray bullets during that dark era in the state .

He said : “We are witnesses to the ugly incident in the state between 2000 and 2004 . 37 northerners died from spray bullets in that crisis while they were doing their business.

“We don’t want crisis again. The Supreme Court judgement should promote peace, bring about the peace we have advocated for in the state.

“We are calling on all to embrace peace. All sides should use the supreme court judgement to promote peace.”

Saidu recalled that he started advocating for a peaceful Rivers state right from the beginning of the political crisis between the Hon Minister, Wike and his godson , governor Fubara , adding that he would not stop calling for a peaceful Rivers state.

Continuing, the Arewa leader said as a pacifist he was actively involved in negotiating the presidential amnesty for insurgents in Niger Delta which brought an end to militancy , adding that he was part of the process that gave rise to establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC to promote peace in the region.

“I have been actively involved in peace process in the Niger Delta right from the era of Chief Harold Dappa Biriye when I was his Senior aide . I also worked with Chief Edwin Clark and others to see peace in the region “, he said.