• President urges political leaders to prioritize peace and rule of law
• Calls for swift implementation of court rulings in Rivers State
Jane Otu, South South
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja – March 11, 2025
DAILY COURIER - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all stakeholders in the ongoing Rivers State political crisis to respect and implement the rulings of the Supreme Court, emphasizing that adherence to the rule of law is the only path to restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking during a meeting with South-South leaders under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding democracy, insisting that all political actors must prioritize constitutional order and the well-being of the people.
The political crisis in Rivers State stems from a fierce power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Wike, a key political figure in the state, was instrumental in Fubara’s emergence as governor in 2023. However, their relationship soured over control of the state’s political structure, leading to a prolonged battle for dominance. The rift escalated into legislative conflicts, impeachment threats against the governor, and legal disputes, plunging the state into political turmoil. Despite intervention efforts, tensions remain high, threatening governance and stability in the oil-rich state.
President Tinubu underscored the importance of respecting judicial verdicts, warning that failure to do so could undermine democratic governance.
"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," he said.
He urged South-South leaders to actively intervene and counsel all parties in the Rivers crisis, stressing that peace and stability must be prioritized above political differences.
"Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability," Tinubu added.
The President disclosed that his administration had brokered a written agreement between warring factions in Rivers State, emphasizing that all signatories must now adhere to the terms of the agreement.
"We reached an agreement, a written agreement, and both parties signed. We must all recognize the Constitution and make sacrifices for Rivers State to move forward," he said.
Beyond the Rivers State crisis, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to the economic development of the Niger Delta, acknowledging the region’s strategic role in Nigeria’s prosperity.
"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 stated.
He highlighted ongoing government efforts, including the coastal road project, port development, and investments in education and healthcare, as key initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and stability in the region.
Earlier, PANDEF leaders, led by King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed support for President Tinubu’s administration and urged further intervention in the Rivers crisis.
Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of PANDEF’s Rivers State reconciliation committee, warned that instability in Rivers State could have far-reaching consequences on national peace and security.
"Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation," Attah cautioned, while commending the President’s broader governance reforms.
The President’s firm stance signals a decisive push for the resolution of the Rivers State crisis, as he places responsibility on political stakeholders to act swiftly in upholding court rulings and restoring stability.
With PANDEF’s commitment to mediation and Tinubu’s call for adherence to constitutional order, all eyes are now on Rivers State’s political actors to heed the President’s directive and bring an end to the prolonged crisis.
