President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met with key stakeholders from the Niger Delta, including representatives of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, urging them to facilitate the implementation of recent Supreme Court rulings in Rivers State.
The President specifically called on the delegation to counsel Governor Sim Fubara to honor judicial decisions, including the reinstatement of state lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law to ensure political stability in the oil-rich region.
“You must go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. The ball is in your court,” Tinubu told the delegation. “Privately and openly, intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability.”
The high-profile meeting was attended by prominent political figures, including Senator Seriake Dickson, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, former Rivers Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, legal expert Professor Mike Ozekhome, and several other key stakeholders from the region.
Call for Political Harmony in Rivers State
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a fierce power struggle between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The recent Supreme Court ruling reinstated the majority of the State Assembly lawmakers, who subsequently directed the governor to submit the 2025 budget within 48 hours.
President Tinubu stressed that judicial rulings must be respected to uphold democracy and ensure lasting peace. He also reaffirmed his commitment to fostering stability and economic prosperity in the Niger Delta, which he described as the “goose that lays the golden egg.”
“The Niger Delta is vital to our nation’s economic success. We must take care of the region, or we risk losing its benefits,” Tinubu stated.
Acknowledging the challenges facing his administration, the President reiterated his dedication to resetting and revitalizing Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
“I campaigned for this position, and I begged for the job. I will do it with all my heart, whatever it takes, to ensure we achieve our promises and goals,” he assured the delegation.
The President’s intervention signals a renewed push for political reconciliation in Rivers State, with hopes that the involvement of Niger Delta leaders will help de-escalate tensions and restore governance in the region.
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