The crisis in Rivers State has intensified, pitting Governor Fubara against his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
President Bola Tinubu has urged leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to ensure that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara complies with the Supreme Court ruling on the political crisis in the state.
Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday evening during a closed-door meeting with PANDEF leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“I got your signal and I got your concerns, particularly concerning Rivers State. I have been on it for quite some time. I foresaw this crisis long before I stepped in. We reached an agreement—a written agreement—which both parties signed,” Tinubu said.
“It is sad we find ourselves in this situation today. This is a nation with a rule of law. I should not be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if there is no rule of law.”
“I have total confidence in our judiciary. Now, the Supreme Court has spoken—that is it. Please go back home and help him (Governor Fubara) to implement those recommendations within the shortest possible time” he added.
The president also revealed that he had intervened in the crisis both privately and publicly, offering counsel to Fubara on the best way forward.
The crisis in Rivers State has intensified, pitting Governor Fubara against his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The dispute stems from a deepening power struggle between the governor and the state House of Assembly, which remains largely loyal to Wike.
Tensions escalated when the Assembly attempted to impeach Fubara late last year, prompting a series of interventions from the presidency.
Ijaw groups, who see Fubara as their representative, have warned against any move to unseat him, with some even threatening armed resistance.
This has fuelled fears of further instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
PANDEF, a leading regional body representing the interests of the Niger Delta, has been actively engaging in high-level talks to find a peaceful resolution. The delegation to the Presidential Villa was led by National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali.
Tuesday’s meeting with PANDEF is part of Tinubu’s broader engagement with stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
On Monday, the president hosted an Iftar dinner attended by both Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, along with several other governors, ministers, and top government officials.
In January, Tinubu also met with leaders from Ogoniland, including Dr. Owens Wiwa, the younger brother of slain environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
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