President Bola Tinubu has called for strict adherence to the rule of law to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and restore peace and stability.
According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the President made this appeal on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing political leaders from the South-South under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
During the meeting, President Tinubu underscored the importance of respecting judicial decisions, stressing that upholding the rule of law is essential for strengthening democracy and fostering harmony in Rivers State. He urged political stakeholders to demonstrate selflessness and broad-mindedness in addressing the region’s challenges and to place the overall welfare of the people above personal or political interests.
President Tinubu highlighted that adherence to the rule of law is the foundation of any functioning democracy. He reminded the leaders that his own presidency was made possible through the rule of law and that respecting court decisions is non-negotiable for peace and stability.
“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as President without the 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,” Tinubu said.
He called on the leaders to take the message of peace and legal compliance back to Rivers State, urging them to help facilitate the implementation of court rulings without delay. “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.
The crisis in Rivers State has been a source of concern for the federal government and political leaders in the Niger Delta. Tensions have flared between key political figures, leading to unrest and political instability. President Tinubu acknowledged that the situation had been festering for some time and that he had previously intervened to mediate between the opposing factions.
“We reached an agreement — a written agreement — and both parties signed,” the President disclosed. “Stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising and respecting the Constitution.”
He emphasized that political harmony and legal clarity are necessary for Rivers State to reach its full economic and political potential. “The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy. We worked together on it. They must be protected,” he assured.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Niger Delta to Nigeria’s overall economic health, describing it as “the goose that lays the golden egg.” He cautioned that neglecting the region’s political and economic stability could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s economic growth.
“Yes, the Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg,” he said.
Tinubu outlined the federal government’s ongoing efforts to improve the region’s infrastructure and economic prospects. He highlighted the ongoing coastal road project, which he described as a game-changer for economic connectivity in the Niger Delta, and revealed plans to work with international companies to build new seaports in the region.
“We are already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta States,” Tinubu stated. “This will open up new economic opportunities and create jobs for the people of the region.”The President commended the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its efforts in driving regional development. He praised Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, for his work and urged stakeholders to support him in continuing the development agenda for the region.
“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,” Tinubu noted.
King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his attention to the South-South region and the appointments of Niger Delta indigenes to key positions in government.
“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,” Diete-Spiff said.
Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and co-chair of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, called for further presidential intervention in the Rivers State crisis, warning that ongoing instability could have broader implications for national peace and security.
“Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation,” Attah said. He urged the federal government to continue focusing on power devolution, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism to unlock the full potential of the South-South region.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. He acknowledged the economic challenges facing the country but assured the delegation that the government’s efforts to reset and recalibrate the economy were already showing positive results.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
He highlighted ongoing government programmes focused on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, noting that these investments are designed to create sustainable growth and stability for future generations.
President Tinubu urged PANDEF leaders to promote unity and cooperation within the Niger Delta and across Nigeria. He stressed that political stability and economic development require collective effort and a shared vision for the country’s future.
“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 President affirmed.
The PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious figures, and representatives of youth and women groups. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to work together to strengthen democracy, promote economic growth, and ensure lasting peace in Rivers State and the South-South region.
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