President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly addressed the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, calling for a return to peace and adherence to the rule of law. Speaking to leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu provided an update on his efforts to resolve the crisis that has threatened to destabilize the region.
The political instability in Rivers State, which has been brewing for months, reached a new peak recently following a Supreme Court ruling that challenged the state government’s authority. Tinubu, in his comments, urged both political leaders in the state and citizens to work together towards ensuring peace and respect for the law.
“Go back home and work for peace, always remembering the importance of upholding the rule of law,” Tinubu told the PANDEF leaders. “Let us all support the rule of law, for that is what keeps our democracy functioning. The Supreme Court is the highest authority in Nigeria, and we must all abide by its decisions.”
The president also directly advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to respect the court’s ruling, stating that he must fully implement the recommendations that have been provided to him. According to Tinubu, it was important that the governor follows the rule of law, especially in light of recent legal decisions that have challenged the legitimacy of the state government’s actions.
Tinubu’s comments come at a time when Rivers State is facing significant political tension, particularly following the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, which has added fuel to the fire. The court ruling reaffirmed the legitimacy of Martins Amaewhule as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, despite challenges from Governor Fubara’s administration.
The case began when the Rivers State government contested the legitimacy of Amaewhule’s appointment, accusing him of being unlawfully installed. However, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, dismissed the governor’s appeal and upheld Amaewhule’s position as Speaker. This ruling has significant implications for the power dynamics in Rivers State, as Amaewhule is seen as a supporter of Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The court’s decision not only upheld Amaewhule’s position but also ordered that the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial institutions withhold any funds from the Rivers State government until it complies with the court’s orders. This move was taken after the court accused the Rivers State government of “flagrant disobedience” to judicial instructions in the past.
In the ruling, the Supreme Court stated that the Rivers State government’s failure to respect court orders was a violation that could not be ignored. The withholding of funds is seen as a way to enforce compliance and remind the state government of the importance of following the rule of law.
Additionally, the Supreme Court also nullified the recent local government elections held in Rivers State, declaring them invalid. The elections were found to have violated key provisions of the Electoral Act, which led the court to annul the results. This ruling has further escalated the tension in the state, as it casts doubt on the legitimacy of the current local government leadership in Rivers State.
For Governor Fubara, the court’s decisions have been a significant blow to his authority and governance. Fubara, who succeeded Wike as governor in 2023, had been facing increasing pressure from political opponents, including those loyal to the former governor. The recent court ruling, which has effectively strengthened the position of Amaewhule, is seen by many as a setback for Fubara, who has struggled to consolidate his political power in the state.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has been a point of contention among political leaders and residents in Rivers State. Supporters of Fubara and his administration argue that the decisions were politically motivated and unfairly targeted at the state government. On the other hand, supporters of Amaewhule and Wike have hailed the court’s actions as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
Despite the ongoing challenges, President Tinubu has called for calm and cooperation among the people of Rivers State. He urged Niger Delta leaders to rally behind the governor in his efforts to implement the court’s decisions and bring stability to the state. “Let us all work together to make sure that peace returns to the Niger Delta. We must respect the rule of law and create an environment that allows for growth and development,” Tinubu said.
The president’s intervention has been seen as an attempt to de-escalate the situation and prevent further unrest in the region. The Niger Delta has long been an area of strategic importance for Nigeria, not only because of its oil reserves but also due to its role in the country’s political landscape. Political instability in the region can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just local governance but also national unity.
Tinubu’s remarks have also been viewed as a call for political leaders across the country to put aside their differences and work towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. In a time when the country faces numerous challenges, from insecurity to economic difficulties, the president’s message is one of unity and stability.
As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, many are watching closely to see how Governor Fubara and other key players in the state will respond to the Supreme Court’s decisions. There is hope that the political crisis will eventually be resolved, but much will depend on the willingness of the state’s leaders to work together and follow the rule of law.
