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Update: Rivers Crisis :”I have total confidence in our judiciary”Tinubu urges political actors to respect court rulings and restore peace in the state, Says Onanuga
President Bola Tinubu says political stakeholders in Rivers State must respect court rulings and uphold the rule of law to restore peace in the crisis-hit state.
In a Tuesday statement titled “President Tinubu Calls for Adherence to the Rule of Law to Restore Peace in Rivers State”, signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President made the call during a meeting on Tuesday in Abuja with leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum.
“I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers, and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job.
“I must do it with all my heart, whatever it takes. I will make sure we achieve our promises and goals,” Tinubu assured the delegation.
The President emphasised that respect for judicial decisions is fundamental to maintaining democracy, stressing that all stakeholders must recognise and implement court rulings.
“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,” he declared.
He then urged PANDEF leaders to take active steps in ensuring that the rulings of the courts are enforced.
“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,” the President charged.
Political Crisis, Economic Interests
The political standoff in Rivers State has raised concerns about economic and political stability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Tinubu reiterated the importance of safeguarding the region’s prosperity, likening it to “the goose that lays the golden egg.”
“Yes, 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, a written agreement, and both parties signed,” the President disclosed.
He assured the delegation that his government would not allow Rivers people to suffer due to political conflicts.
“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 vowed.
PANDEF Leaders Call for More Action
Responding to the President’s remarks, PANDEF leaders, including King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom, and Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, expressed support for Tinubu’s intervention.
Attah, who also chairs PANDEF’s reconciliation committee for Rivers State, cautioned that the political turmoil poses a national security threat.
“Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation,” he warned.
He further commended the President’s governance approach, particularly in areas of power devolution, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism, urging sustained focus on the region’s development.
The PANDEF delegation, which included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth and women representatives, expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and called for urgent resolutions to the Rivers State crisis.
“I sincerely thank you for bringing up those issues. And for doing what you are doing for the country.
“Nigeria is too big for anyone. And greater than anyone. It is so great.
“That greatness must come from us through our determination, perseverance, and endurance to do all we can to improve it,” the president concluded.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.
The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.
The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld
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