The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for what he described as responsible and stabilising leadership, revealing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pleased with the governor’s performance.
Ribadu made the remarks on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, where he led a presidential delegation that included the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to the NSA, Rivers State currently ranks among the most peaceful states in the country, a development he attributed to Governor Fubara’s leadership style and inclusive approach to governance.
He explained that the delegation was in the state to consolidate ongoing peace efforts in Ogoniland, noting that the region is entering a new phase after decades of tension.
“President Bola Tinubu specifically directed me to thank Governor Fubara. He is happy with the way you have handled leadership and coordinated discussions around the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni,” Ribadu said.
The NSA also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni for their patience, support, and understanding, stressing that Nigeria is undergoing a transformation that is beginning from the Niger Delta.
Ribadu further praised the Rivers State Government for providing a campus for the University of Environment and for accommodating the South-South Zonal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
In his remarks, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described the Ogoni Peace Initiative as strategic to Nigeria’s renewed unity, noting that President Tinubu takes personal interest in the wellbeing of the Niger Delta people.
Umahi assured that all sections of the East–West Road across the Niger Delta would be completed to standard. He disclosed that the 15-kilometre Eleme axis of the East–West Road in Ogoniland includes five flyovers, one of which is being constructed by the Rivers State Government to complement federal efforts.
The minister said the over ₦200 billion project is scheduled for completion by April next year, adding that, with presidential approval, designs are ongoing to dualise the Bonny–Bodo Road up to the East–West Road, including the construction of two flyovers. He also revealed that the President has ordered a redesign of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland.
Also speaking, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the Ogoni clean-up remains a top priority for the Federal Government. He noted that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)-recommended project is progressing well, with ongoing mangrove restoration, healthcare delivery, human capital development, and women empowerment programmes.
On his part, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the Ogoni dialogue process, stressing that future engagement would prioritise the welfare of the people over oil production.
Ojulari disclosed that the employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes by NNPCL has reached the final stage, with appointment letters already issued and resumption scheduled for January 2026.
Responding, Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his intervention, describing it as the action of a leader who genuinely loves Rivers State.
He acknowledged that resolving a crisis that lasted over three decades in Ogoniland was not an easy task but noted that the President’s involvement has made a significant difference.
“With this intervention, residents can now drive with ease along both ends of the East–West Road, connecting Bonny and Bayelsa,” Fubara said.
The governor emphasised that beyond infrastructure, the Tinubu administration is rebuilding confidence in the region. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining peace and managing emerging conflicts, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of crisis.
Fubara also appealed to Ogoni leaders to engage youths to allow oil facility operators access to repair faulty equipment to prevent fresh oil spills while environmental restoration efforts continue.
Comments