President Bola Tinubu has called on political stakeholders in Rivers State to uphold the rule of law by respecting court rulings, emphasizing that adherence to judicial decisions is essential for peace and democracy.
Addressing leaders from the South-South region in Abuja, President Tinubu underscored the importance of the judiciary in maintaining societal harmony. He stated, “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.” He urged the leaders to assist in implementing court decisions promptly, advising them to counsel Governor Siminalayi Fubara to pursue peace and stability.
Governor Fubara has pledged to fully implement the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the state’s political crisis. He emphasized that the state’s interests supersede personal agendas, stating, “I want to say it here, very loud and clear to everyone, the Supreme Court has given a judgement, my administration is going to implement the judgement to its fullest.”
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has also appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing political crisis, highlighting the need for his leadership to restore stability in Rivers State.
These developments reflect a collective effort to resolve the political tensions in Rivers State through adherence to legal frameworks and collaborative governance.
President Bola Tinubu convened a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on March 11, 2025, addressing pressing issues in the Niger Delta region, notably the political unrest in Rivers State.
The PANDEF delegation included prominent figures such as King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Obong Victor Attah, Co-Chairman; Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman; former governors Liyel Imoke and Seriake Dickson; and other notable stakeholders.
During the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the necessity of upholding the rule of law, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement recent Supreme Court rulings reinstating state assembly lawmakers. He stated, “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.”
The President also highlighted the strategic importance of the Niger Delta, referring to it as the “goose that lays the golden egg,” and stressed the need for peace and stability to foster economic growth and development in the region.
This meeting underscores the administration’s commitment to resolving the political crisis in Rivers State through dialogue and adherence to judicial processes.