March 11, (THEWILL) –
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, tasked South-South leaders on the critical need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State to ensure lasting peace and prosperity.
The President gave the charge during a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), at the State House, Abuja, where discussions centred on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
Tinubu had previously brokered a peace deal between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on December 18, 2023, leading to an eight-point agreement aimed at resolving their differences.
However, the dispute has continued to divide the 32-member Rivers State House of Assembly, with 27 lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, remaining loyal to Wike.
THEWILL recalls that the peace accord required Governor Fubara to recognise Amaewhule as the Speaker of the Rivers Assembly while halting impeachment moves against him.
It also mandated the reinstatement of Wike’s loyalists in the state cabinet and the withdrawal of all court cases related to the crisis.
The Supreme Court, on February 28, 2025, upheld a Federal High Court order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing the Rivers State’s monthly allocations. Additionally, the court directed the Amaewhule-led faction to resume legislative duties unhindered and invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections in the state.
Fubara, while reaffirming his commitment to peace and the rule of law, assured that he would implement the court’s verdict.
Addressing PANDEF leaders, who sought his intervention, President Tinubu reiterated his respect for the judiciary and his dedication to upholding the law.
“I foresaw the challenges we are facing today”, Tinubu remarked, emphasising his earlier efforts to broker peace in the state.
President Tinubu charged them with going back home and working for peace in compliance with the rule of law.
Reiterating that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony, President Tinubu advised the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, by insisting that the judiciary’s interpretations of the Constitution be respected.
“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”, he said.
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 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”, he 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”, he added.
The President thanked 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, adding 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’s 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 state’s political crises threaten 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.
The PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious figures, and youth and women groups.
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