President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged stakeholders in Rivers State to respect the Supreme Court ruling that nullified last year’s local government elections and recognized Martin Amaewhule and his team as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During a meeting with leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law.
“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,” said Tinubu, as quoted by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
He called on PANDEF leaders to return home and ensure that the Supreme Court’s ruling is implemented without delay.
“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,” Tinubu added.
The President revealed that he had previously attempted to resolve the Rivers State political crisis before it escalated.
“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,” he said.
“We reached an agreement, written agreement, and both parties signed,” Tinubu disclosed.
King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, commended the President for his dedication to ensuring peace in the South-South region. He also praised Tinubu’s commitment to appointing Niger Delta indigenes to key positions in government.
“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,” Diete-Spiff concluded.
