Tinubu Urges Niger Delta Leaders to Counsel Governor Fubara on Rivers Crisis

President Bola Tinubu has called on Niger Delta leaders to advise Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on the importance of adhering to court rulings amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with representatives of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the need for stability in Rivers and urged regional leaders to mediate in the dispute.

The meeting was attended by prominent PANDEF figures, including former Akwa Ibom governor Obong Victor Attah and the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom, Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff.

Rivers State has been in turmoil following a power struggle between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Fubara’s predecessor. The rift has deepened divisions within the state’s legislature, leading to widespread political uncertainty.

Tinubu reminded attendees of his previous intervention, which resulted in a signed agreement between the warring factions. However, with tensions persisting, he urged PANDEF leaders to step in and ensure that legal rulings are respected.

Addressing the crisis, Tinubu underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law.

“Yes, the Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy.

The president stressed that governance must be guided by legal principles, adding:

“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as president without it. I have total confidence in our judiciary. Once the court has spoken, that is it.”

Tinubu tasked Niger Delta leaders with ensuring Fubara’s compliance with court decisions, urging them to intervene both privately and publicly.

“Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Pursue the path of peace and stability. If you need me, let me know. But the people of Rivers State must not suffer because of politics.”

The crisis escalated further after the Supreme Court issued key rulings on February 28, reaffirming a federal high court decision that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State.

Additionally, the apex court ordered the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume legislative duties and nullified the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024.

Governor Fubara has since pledged to implement the Supreme Court’s judgments, though the situation in Rivers remains tense.

With Tinubu now calling for direct intervention from regional leaders, all eyes are on Rivers State to see whether peace will finally be restored—or if the crisis will deepen further.