President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said all stakeholders in the Rivers State polity should adhere to the rule of law to ensure lasting peace and prosperity.
Tinubu made this appeal to political leaders from the South-South during a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of Tuesday’s parley in a statement titled, ‘President Tinubu calls for adherence to the rule of law to restore peace in Rivers State.’
Tinubu reiterated that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony.
His comments come amid the long-drawn power tussle between the immediate past Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and the incumbent Governor, Sim Fubara.
A recent Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of the faction led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, who is aligned with Wike.
The judgment reinstated 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, challenging Fubara’s earlier attempts to assert control over the state assembly.
Although Fubara has since promised to comply with the judgment, certain factions are calling for his resignation or impeachment.
The President advised the leaders to be more broad-minded, 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.
The President said stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising the Constitution.
He emphasised that Nigeria is a nation governed by the rule of law, stating that he would not be serving as President if not for the primacy of legal frameworks.
He expressed total confidence in the judiciary, acknowledging that human beings can make mistakes but maintaining that once the courts have ruled, their decision stands as final.
Tinubu urged the delegation to return home and ensure that relevant court rulings are implemented as swiftly as possible, placing responsibility in their hands and calling for both private and public intervention to counsel the governor.
King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked the President 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.
Fubara To Re-Invite Pro-Wike Lawmakers
Meanwhile, Fubara may extend a fresh invitation to the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers as part of his ongoing peace efforts, it has been learnt.
On Sunday, Governor Fubara, through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, invited the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly for a meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
According to the letter, key issues for discussion included securing a suitable venue for the lawmakers to hold legislative sessions, the presentation of the 2025 budget, payment of their outstanding allowances, and other crucial matters.
The governor’s invitation to the lawmakers followed the recent Supreme Court judgment recognising them as legitimate lawmakers and ordering the governor to present the 2025 budget to them.
However, the lawmakers rejected Fubara’s invitation, citing improper communication.
