Tinubu issues new directive to Fubara amid Rivers crisis
President Bola Tinubu has directed Governor Siminalayi Fubara to obey the Supreme Court’s ruling as part of efforts to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Tinubu said he had been working behind the scenes to restore peace in the state.
He urged the leaders to focus on maintaining stability while respecting the law.
He called on Fubara to accept the court’s decision and act accordingly.
He also asked Niger Delta leaders to help in ensuring that the crisis is properly handled.
He said:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
His remarks came after the Supreme Court ruled that Martins Amaewhule remains the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In its judgment on February 28, the court directed the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial institutions to withhold funds meant for the Rivers State government.
The ruling was based on the state’s refusal to obey previous judicial orders.
This was a setback for Governor Fubara, as the court dismissed his appeal questioning the legitimacy of the lawmakers under Speaker Amaewhule.
The decision confirmed the authority of the 27 lawmakers who are loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The court also canceled the October 5 local government elections in the state, ruling that they did not follow the Electoral Act.
