President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for strict adherence to the rule of law as the key to achieving lasting peace and prosperity in Rivers State. During a meeting with political leaders from the state at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasized the importance of respecting the judiciary to maintain democracy and political harmony.
The president’s remarks came as he met with representatives of the Niger Delta, under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and echoed his earlier counsel to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Tinubu had previously advised Fubara to adopt a humble approach towards resolving the ongoing political crisis in the state, emphasizing the need for peace and progress.
“We must pursue the path of peace and stability,” President Tinubu reiterated, urging political leaders to support Governor Fubara’s efforts in fostering unity and cooperation within the state. He highlighted that the judiciary’s interpretation of the constitution must be upheld and respected.
Fubara, speaking on Tuesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to fully implementing the recent Supreme Court ruling on the political crisis in the state. He stressed that the judgment was not about personal gain but about ensuring peace and the collective good of Rivers State. “No price is too much to pay for peace,” Fubara declared.
As part of his efforts to address the crisis, former governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada-George, called on political figures to set aside differences and embrace peace. At the same time, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, led by chairman Emeka Beke, criticized Tony Okocha, a self-styled APC chairman, for his calls to impeach Governor Fubara. A group called the Supreme Council for Sim Worldwide also warned against the House of Assembly’s alleged plans to impeach the governor following the Supreme Court ruling.
Tinubu acknowledged the concerns raised by the PANDEF delegation, saying he had been closely monitoring the situation in Rivers State. “I foresaw this crisis festering and intervened before it became uncontrollable,” Tinubu said. He assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges in the region, emphasizing that peace and development were his priorities.
Speaking on the importance of the Niger Delta to Nigeria’s economy, Tinubu remarked, “The Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose, otherwise, we lose the golden egg.” He urged all stakeholders to make sacrifices for the greater good, particularly in recognizing and adhering to the constitution.
The president also expressed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, stating, “This is a nation governed by the rule of law, and I have total confidence in our judiciary. Once the court has spoken, that’s final.” He encouraged the PANDEF leadership to support the timely implementation of the court’s ruling and assist in guiding the governor towards peace.
Tinubu commended the efforts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its leadership, particularly Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for their work in advancing the region’s development. He also reiterated his commitment to the economic revitalization of Nigeria, particularly through key infrastructure projects such as the ongoing coastal road project, which aims to boost economic activity in the Niger Delta.
In his response, Co-Chairman of PANDEF, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, expressed gratitude to the president for his dedication to the South-South region and his efforts to support Niger Delta development. “We are here to give you our full support,” he affirmed.
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and PANDEF Board Co-Chair, Obong Victor Attah, also addressed the ongoing Rivers State crisis. He stressed that the instability in the state had national implications, urging the president to continue his intervention to ensure lasting peace. Attah praised Tinubu’s reforms, particularly in decentralizing power and focusing on regional development.
Governor Fubara, in a separate address during the inauguration of the new Judges’ Quarters in Port Harcourt, emphasized that the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment was crucial for the peace of Rivers State. He noted that despite the financial costs of the political crisis, his administration would prioritize peace over personal or political interests.
Fubara also underscored the importance of judicial officers’ welfare, highlighting the completed Judges’ Quarters as a testament to his administration’s commitment to the judiciary. Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, praised the governor’s efforts in continuing the project, which was initiated by the previous administration.
The continued push for peace in Rivers State highlights the importance of collaboration between political leaders, the judiciary, and citizens to ensure that the state remains a stable and prosperous part of Nigeria.
