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Tinubu Says Only Rule Of Law Will End Rivers Political Crisis

President Bola Tinubu on Tues­day played host to stakeholders from the Niger Delta region, spe­cifically the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), at the Presiden­tial Villa, Abuja, where he said only rule of law will end Rivers political crisis.

He also told them to prevail on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement the recent Supreme Court rulings, reinstating the state Assembly lawmakers.

He said in specific terms, “Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability”.

While addressing the political leaders from the South-South, Tinubu reiterated that respect for the judiciary is crucial in up­holding democracy and fostering harmony in the oil rich state.

He told the delegation to be more broadminded, selfless and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically.

Tinubu also insisted that the judiciary’s interpretations of the constitution must be respected.

The president in suing for peace, acknowledged that the Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg, adding that it accounted for his initial intervention when the crisis broke out earlier.

Daily Independent recalls that the incumbent governor, Simi­nalayi Fubara and his estranged godfather, now Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, have been locked in a battle of supremacy over the affairs of Rivers State.

A recent court judgment had reinstated majority of the state Assembly lawmakers, who in turn directed the Governor Fubara to submit the 2025 budget within 48 hours.

Tinubu’s words, “I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job. I must do it with all my heart, whatever it takes.

“I will make sure we achieve our promises and goals.

“Nigeria is a great country. To some cabinet members here, from outside looking in and inside looking out, we have been doing our best to give Nigeria a re-bounce, a reset and a recalibration of the economic fortune.

“Yes, Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg. I got your signal and your concern, particularly on Rivers State.

I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened.

“We reached an agreement, written agreement, and both parties signed.”

The president said stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising the constitution.

“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as president without a rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations. Human beings can make errors. But once the court has spoken, that is it.

“Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time.

I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability,” he added.

President Tinubu told the delegation that his priority remains community development, particularly projects and programmes that positively impact citizens.

“Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. I have given the situation enough time and enough consideration. We cannot fall back, and we will not. The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy.

We worked together on it. They will not suffer. They must be protected,” President Tinubu said.
The president commended the leadership of the Niger Delta.

“I have seen what you have tolerated in the region. Community development is very close to my heart. The leader of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is doing a great job and should be encouraged to do more.

“He is your son. We are all proud of him. Yes, there are lots of misadventurers around Nigeria on democracy. We will continue to work on preserving the integrity and character of our legislators.

“I sincerely thank you for bringing up those issues. And for doing what you are doing for the country. Nigeria is too big for anyone. And greater than anyone. It is so great.

That greatness must come from us through our determination, perseverance and endurance to do all we can to improve it.”

Tinubu lauded the delegation for acknowledging the efforts to stimulate the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth.

“We cannot achieve Eldorado in one day. But we are on the path to it. We will succeed by the grace of God Almighty. We are resetting the economy, and it looks far better. We have funds for our children in college. Our medical colleges are also getting equipped,” he said.

The president noted that the ongoing coastal road project will create new economic benefits for the Niger Delta and the country.

“We are already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta states,” he stated.

King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon- Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked the president for his commitment to South- South well-being and appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes.

“Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support. I can say now that God bless Nigeria and your government,” he said.

Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and co-chair of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, called for further intervention in the Rivers State crisis.

Attah, who also chairs the reconciliation committee set up by PANDEF in Rivers State, said the political crisis in Rivers State threatens national stability and deserve more attention.

“Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation,” he added.

He praised the president’s reforms, including power devolution and regional development recognition, and urged focus on infrastructure, seaports, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism in the South-South.

At the meeting which had in attendance Senator Seriake Dickson; Professor Mike Ozekhome; former Cross River State governor, Mr. Liyel Imoke; former Rivers Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru; former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Timi Alaibe; Jaja of Opobo, Professor Dandeson Jaja; Senator Ita Enang; Senator Bassey Henshaw; Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, former acting Managing Director of the NDDC; Uche Secondus; Senator Andrew Uchendu; National Coordinator of Host Communities of Nigeria, HOSTCOM, Okareme Maikpobi; Niger Delta activist, Ms. Ann-Kio Briggs; spokesman of PANDEF, Chief Obiwevbi Ominimini, among others, Tinubu said he stood firmly for peace and adherence to the rule of law.

Source:- Independentng