*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tells the representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, reiterating that respect for the Nigerian Judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony in especially Rivers State, South-South region of the country

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasised the critical need to adhere to the rule of law to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in Rivers State of Nigeria.

Tinubu stated this Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in the State House, Abuja, FCT, while addressing the visiting political leaders from the South-South region of the country.

The Nigerian leader, in a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), reiterated that respect for the Judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony, particularly in Rivers State.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement disclosed President Tinubu also urged the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless, and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, by insisting that the Judiciary’s interpretations of the Constitution be respected.

Nigeria is a great country, says Tinubu

Tinubu stated: “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.”

He stated: “Nigeria is a great country. To some cabinet members here, from outside looking in and inside looking out, we have been doing our best to give Nigeria a re-bounce, a reset and a recalibration of the economic fortune.

“Yes, Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg.”

The President also noted: “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 Nigerian leader further averred that stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising the Nigerian Constitution.

“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,” stated he.

Tinubu told the Niger Delta stakeholders: “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 statement noted President Tinubu as well told the delegation that his priority remains community development, particularly projects and programmes that positively impact the citizens.

The President restated: “Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. I have given the situation enough time and enough consideration.

“We cannot fall back, and we will not. The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy.

“We worked together on it. They will not suffer. They must be protected.”

Commendation for Niger Delta leaders

President Tinubu commended the leadership of the Niger Delta.

Onanuga quoted him to have said: “I have seen what you have tolerated in the region. Community development is very close to my heart.

“The leader of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is doing a great job and should be encouraged to do more.”

The President also said: “He is your son. We are all proud of him. Yes, there are lots of misadventurers around Nigeria on democracy.

“We will continue to work on preserving the integrity and character of our legislators.

“I sincerely thank you for bringing up those issues. And for doing what you are doing for the country.”

Tinubu asserted: “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.”

He thanked the delegation for acknowledging the efforts at stimulating the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth.

“We cannot achieve Eldorado in one day. But we are on the path to it. We will succeed by the grace of God Almighty.

“We are resetting the economy, and it looks far better. We have funds for our children in college.

“Our medical colleges are also getting equipped,” noted President Tinubu.

According to him, the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project will create new economic benefits for the Niger Delta, and the entire country.

The President further stated: “We are already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta States.”

PANDEF assures President Tinubu of support

Speaking during the meeting with President Tinubu, in Abuja, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked the Nigerian President for his commitment to South-South well-being and appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes.

King Diete-Spiff said: “Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed.

“We are here to give you our assurance and support. I can say now that God bless Nigeria and your government.”

Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and co-chair of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, called for further intervention in the Rivers State crises.

Attah, who also chairs the reconciliation committee set up by PANDEF in Rivers State, said the political crises in Rivers State could threaten national stability, and they deserve more attention.

He stated: “Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation.”

The PANDEF Chief also applauded President Tinubu’s reforms, including power devolution and regional development recognition.

He further urged focus on infrastructure, seaports, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism in the South-South.

The PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious figures, and youth and women groups, stated the Presidential aide.

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