Rivers crisis: Tinubu gives new directive to Fubara

President Bola Tinubu has directed Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to comply with the Supreme Court ruling as part of efforts to end the prolonged political crisis in the state.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Tinubu revealed that he had been working behind the scenes to restore peace in Rivers. He urged the governor and all stakeholders to respect the law and prioritize stability.

The president called on Niger Delta leaders to play a role in ensuring a peaceful resolution to the crisis, emphasizing that the judiciary’s decisions must be upheld.

“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, a written agreement, and both parties signed,” Tinubu stated.

“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. Once the court has spoken, that is it.”

He urged PANDEF leaders to intervene and counsel Governor Fubara on implementing the court’s decision swiftly.

His remarks follow the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, which upheld Martins Amaewhule as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court also directed financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation, to withhold funds meant for the Rivers State government due to non-compliance with previous judicial orders.

The ruling was a significant setback for Governor Fubara, as the court dismissed his appeal questioning the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the October 5 local government elections in Rivers State, citing violations of the Electoral Act.

With Tinubu’s directive, all eyes are now on Governor Fubara and his next course of action in navigating the deepening political tensions in Rivers State.