President Bola Tinubu has broken his silence on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, revealing the steps he has taken both publicly and behind the scenes to restore stability in the region.
Addressing leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu expressed concern over the escalating tensions.
He stated that he had foreseen the current situation and had been actively working to mediate peace among the key stakeholders.
The President urged PANDEF leaders to return home and encourage peaceful dialogue while ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.
He advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement the recommendations given to him and respect the rule of law, noting that the Supreme Court remains the highest authority in the country. He also called on Niger Delta leaders to support him in achieving this goal.
The president’s remarks came after the Supreme Court upheld Martins Amaewhule as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In its ruling delivered on February 28, the Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial institutions to withhold funds from the Rivers State government. The court accused the government of “flagrant disobedience” to judicial orders and stated that compliance with the law was necessary before funds could be released.
The decision marked a political setback for Governor Fubara, as the five-member panel of justices unanimously dismissed his cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The ruling affirmed the authority of the 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the recent local government elections in Rivers State, declaring them invalid due to violations of the Electoral Act.