Tinubu to Niger Delta leaders: Counsel Fubara to restore peace in Rivers

President Bola Tinubu has directed leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to counsel Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resolve the political crisis in the state.

Tinubu gave the directive while addressing the PANDEF leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

The president who emphasised the critical need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State to ensure lasting peace and prosperity reiterated that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony.

He advised the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless, and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, by insisting that the judiciary’s interpretations of the Constitution be respected.

Tinubu said: “Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg. I got your signal and your concern, particularly on Rivers State. I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened.

“We reached an agreement, written agreement, and both parties signed.”

The President said stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising the Constitution.

Tinubu added: “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.

“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.”

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Tinubu told the delegation that his priority remains community development, particularly projects and programmes that positively impact citizens.

“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 people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy. We worked together on it. They will not suffer. They must be protected,” Tinubu said.

The president further thanked the delegation for acknowledging the efforts to stimulate the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth.

He said: “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 noted that the ongoing coastal road project will create new economic benefits for the Niger Delta and the country.

“We are already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta States,” he stated.

King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked Tinubu for his commitment to South-South well-being and appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes.

“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,” he said.

The PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and youth and women groups.

The Star