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.