Dear Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara,
I have perused your letter inviting the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, and other Honorable members to a meeting at the Rivers State Government House. I appreciate your efforts towards fostering a harmonious understanding of the current situation, as it signals your realization of the import of this moment.
As an advocate for detente and rapprochement in restoring peace in the state, I view this development as a positive step.
Your Excellency, I shall be forthright and concise, as I am confident that this note will receive your attention.
I have examined the proposed agenda for the meeting, as outlined in the letter of invitation that you authorized.
However, Your Excellency, as a scholar of international law and diplomacy, with extensive coursework in peace and conflict resolution, I believe that including the sitting venue for the Assembly’s legislative work as the first agenda item may be a strategic misstep. In light of past events, I fear that reaching a consensus on this issue may prove challenging.
Every seasoned diplomat and negotiator understands that initiating rapprochement after a prolonged period of hostility with a highly contentious issue as the first agenda item is counterproductive, especially in a situation where there has been no amity.
Remember, Your Excellency, that there was a brutal conflict which resulted in an internecine legal war. A Victor and vanquished already emerged. It is you, Your Excellency, that should now woo and court the Assembly members because they are in a stronger legal position. Doing that with an ultra-contentious issue will not show mastery.
I therefore humbly suggest, Your Excellency, that if changing the current venue of sitting is even necessary. the issue be addressed after several confidence-building meetings have been held and common ground has been established, and not at this first meeting.
I write this bona fides and in the interest of peace in the state.
Thank you.
—Chief Kennedy Friday