- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu says he has advised embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to choose the path of peace amid the ongoing crisis in the state.
Tinubu disclosed this during a meeting with members of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Tuesday.
NPO reported that the President had on Monday night held meeting with Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Addressing PANDEF leaders today, Tinubu said he had advised Fubara to adhere with the Supreme Court’s verdict on the political crisis in the state.
Recall that the court recently reinstated the Martin Amaewhule-led leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissing Governor Fubara’s appeal challenging the legitimacy of 27 assembly members.
Following the judgment, the Assembly, which is loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the governor to submit the 2025 appropriation bill and shunned the governor’s invitation to a parley.
Tinubu expressed disappointment over the lingering crisis despite his intervention last year.
“I have been on it for quite some time. I foresaw this crisis festering for too long. We reached a written agreement with both parties signing it, but some leaders thought the governor of Rivers State was wrong to have signed it. But where did we find ourselves today?” he asked.
The President harped on Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, stating, “This is a nation of rule of law. I should not be here as president of Nigeria if there is no rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary.
“Human beings can have expectations, but once the Supreme Court has spoken, that is it.
“Please go back home and help in implementing those recommendations within the shortest possible time. I put the ball back in your court. Help him. Both privately and publicly, I have counseled the governor. Only yesterday (Monday), I told him again to pursue the path of peace.” he said.